The much-anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump captivated millions of viewers globally. 


As the evening unfolded, it became evident that this debate would be pivotal for both candidates. Here's a breakdown of the night's winners and losers.
The Victor: Kamala Harris


Kamala Harris emerged as the standout winner of the debate. Throughout the evening, she exuded poise, qualification, and a presidential presence that sharply contrasted with her opponent.

 Harris skillfully challenged Donald Trump, underscoring his vulnerabilities and moments of incompetence. She effectively pressed him on topics such as crowd sizes at his rallies, his racially charged statements about Haitian immigrants, and his inconsistent stance on abortion.


Harris' adept handling of Trump on a public stage raises concerns about his potential susceptibility to manipulation by international leaders. 

Her performance was marked by forceful eloquence and emotional depth, especially when addressing sensitive issues like abortion, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the call for a cease-fire in Gaza.


In contrast to the first presidential debate in June, where Trump dominated a seemingly weary President Joe Biden, Harris' performance underscored the significant differences between the candidates. 

Her calm and articulate communication made her the undeniable victor of the night.
The Defeated: Donald Trump


Donald Trump's debate performance was characterized by frustration and erratic behavior. At one point, he ranted about people supposedly "eating" dogs and cats, a baseless claim aimed at demonizing Haitian immigrants. 

Such outrageous statements did little to enhance his image as a presidential candidate, instead highlighting his inability to focus on substantive issues.


Trump's performance was intended to reassure voters of his presidential capabilities, cognitive health, and plans for economic improvement. 

However, his irritable asides and rambling monologues only fueled concerns about his age and suitability for the presidency. At 78, Trump is the oldest presidential nominee in history, and his showing did little to allay fears about his leadership capabilities.


When questioned about his plans to replace Obamacare, Trump vaguely referred to having "a concept of a plan," failing to instill confidence among voters seeking concrete solutions. 

Overall, Trump's performance was a setback, lacking a compelling argument for his candidacy.
The Fabrications: Trump's Racist Myths


Trump's perpetuation of conspiracy theories, such as the myth that Haitian immigrants are consuming pets, marked a low point in the debate. 

This groundless claim aimed to demonize a segment of the population for political gain, appealing to the Republican base through racist myths. 

The ABC moderators adeptly debunked Trump's assertions in real-time, but the damage was done.


Trump's insistence on his falsehoods, even citing "people on television talking about it," is likely to go viral, overshadowing any positive points he may have made. 

This moment clearly demonstrated his willingness to spread misinformation for political advantage.