Kamala Harris warns Donald Trump about Putin’s power during presidential candidates’ TV debate | US News

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed over various issues in their first debate before the US election, including abortion, the economy, and illegal immigration.

Ms. Harris’s attacks seemed to unsettle her opponent at times, accusing people of leaving his rallies out of “boredom” and claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin “would eat him for lunch”.

On the other hand, Mr. Trump frequently accused her of allowing massive illegal immigration, labeling her a dangerous “Marxist” and the worst vice president ever.

Trump v Harris debate live: Pivotal night in US election

The debate in Philadelphia started awkwardly with Ms. Harris approaching Mr. Trump for a handshake.

Ms. Harris addressed the viewers directly multiple times, making promises about reducing the cost of living and safeguarding abortion rights.

The debate, which took place without a live audience, saw Mr. Trump focus on the moderators and accuse Ms. Harris of lacking an economic plan and overseeing high inflation and a surge in illegal immigration while with the Biden administration.

Mr. Trump claimed that Ms. Harris supported a “tax cut for billionaires and big corporations”, while she accused him of fear-mongering about dangerous immigrants, even making wild claims about pets being eaten by immigrants in Ohio.

The moderators intervened to clarify that there were no credible reports of such incidents in Springfield, Ohio.

Abortion rights were a significant point of contention during the debate.

Ms. Harris criticized “Trump abortion bans”, arguing that it was unacceptable for the government to dictate women’s reproductive choices.

Mr. Trump defended his decision to appoint three Supreme Court justices who played a role in overturning abortion rights, stating that it was necessary to address the divisive issue and promote IVF rights.

He emphasized that the decision should be in the hands of individual states rather than the federal government.

Ms. Harris refuted Mr. Trump’s claims that her vice presidential pick supported ninth-month abortions, denouncing it as false and highlighting the severe restrictions on abortion in several states imposed by “Trump abortion bans”.

She criticized these bans for not making exceptions for rape and incest, leading to severe penalties for healthcare providers.

‘Love letters to Kim Jong-un’

The former president, aiming for a comeback despite legal challenges, was visibly affected when Ms. Harris suggested his rallies were dull and tiring for attendees.

Mr. Trump defended the enthusiasm at his rallies, accusing Ms. Harris of bussing people and paying them to attend her events.

Other topics discussed included Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan.

Mr. Trump warned of World War 3 under a Democratic win and portrayed Ms. Harris as a poor negotiator incapable of standing up for America.

Ms. Harris fired back, stating that Putin would “eat” Trump for lunch, highlighting his relationships with dictators like Kim Jong-un and the concerns of military commanders about his susceptibility to manipulation.

She accused Trump of being easily manipulated by flattery and favors from dictators and autocrats.

“It is widely known that these authoritarian figures are rooting for your return to the presidency because they see you as easily manipulated,” Ms. Harris stated.