The second presidential debate was held in Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center on September 10, following a turbulent period in the 2024 presidential campaign in which President Joe Biden exited the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The debate, hosted by ABC News, was Harris’ and former President Donald Trump’s first time meeting face to face.
Many topics were covered at the debate, including immigration, the economy, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, the environment and foreign affairs. Trump and Harris shared a handshake and a bid of good luck to each other before beginning—an act of respect that hadn’t been administered at a presidential debate in eight years. The debate was full of false claims and disrespect on both sides after what seemed to be a hopeful start. One of the false claims that has received a lot of media attention has been former President Donald Trump’s claim that Haitian immigrants have been ‘eating the pets,’ both cats and dogs, of the residents of Springfield, Ohio. According to NPR, there have been no credible reports on this claim.
As far as policy goes, Harris proposes affordable housing, child care and consumer policies, according to her campaign website. These policies include expanding the Child Tax Credit and raising the minimum wage. Harris’ website also details how she would block any national abortion bans and intends to expand civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ people. Harris also details that she will ban assault weapons and implement universal background checks for gun owners to prevent mass shootings.
Trump plans to rebuild the economy by lowering taxes, increasing paychecks and creating more jobs for American workers, according to his campaign website. Trump also wants to make the United States the number one producer of oil and natural gas on earth, achieving American energy independence and delivering low costs for oil, gas, diesel and electricity to consumers and businesses. Trump details how in cooperative states he will deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement to assist with rapidly removing “illegal alien gang members and criminals.” Other issues include protecting the 2nd amendment, banning private money from local elections and reducing the cost of prescription drugs.
