The first US presidential debate of 2024 was nothing short of a spectacle. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage in Philadelphia, and the night was filled with fiery exchanges, bold claims, and biting rebuttals. As the November 5 election looms closer, the stakes couldn't be higher. Who truly emerged victorious in this battle of ideologies? Let's break it down subject by subject.

The Economy: Trump's Bold Claims vs Harris' Cool Rebuttal

Donald Trump came out swinging on the economy, touting his record from his previous term. He boasted about his handling of taxes, deregulation, and job creation, saying, "No one has done more for the American economy than I have, not even close." He claimed that under his leadership, America saw the greatest economic growth in history, with unemployment hitting record lows. "We built the strongest economy in the world, and I can do it again," he declared, pointing to his track record.

Kamala Harris, however, countered these claims with a calm but firm response. She reminded voters of the economic instability during Trump’s tenure, including the massive job losses during the pandemic. “Let’s not forget, under Donald Trump, millions of Americans lost their jobs, their homes, and their savings,” she said. Harris emphasized the Biden administration's efforts in rebuilding the economy, citing data that shows steady job growth since 2021 and a stronger focus on middle-class families. Polls afterward suggested a slight advantage for Trump on economic issues, with 55% of voters leaning toward his vision.

Immigration: Trump's Hardline Stance vs Harris' Compassionate Approach

Immigration was another hot topic, and Trump didn’t hold back. He doubled down on his tough stance, talking about the border wall and his efforts to reduce illegal immigration. In one of the more shocking moments of the debate, Trump claimed that immigrants were "eating cats and dogs" due to economic hardship and lack of resources. "It’s a disaster at the border, and Kamala wants to open it up even more," Trump said, accusing Harris of being weak on immigration enforcement.

Harris, visibly taken aback by Trump’s comment, responded with her own vision for immigration reform. She spoke about the need for comprehensive solutions that include both stronger border security and humane treatment of migrants. "America is a nation of immigrants," Harris said, "and we must never lose sight of that." She emphasized the administration's efforts in reforming immigration laws while ensuring fairness and humanity. Despite Trump’s bold statements, a CNN poll showed that 63% of viewers felt Harris handled the immigration issue more effectively.

Abortion: A Divisive Topic with No Middle Ground

Perhaps the most polarizing topic of the night was abortion. Trump took a hardline stance, claiming that Harris and the Democrats support "abortions in the ninth month," a statement that was quickly fact-checked by the moderators. "They want to kill babies even after they're born," Trump said, an inflammatory claim that echoed his previous rhetoric on the issue.

Harris was quick to shut this down. "That is simply not true," she said, shaking her head. "We believe in protecting women’s rights and ensuring that they have the ability to make decisions about their own bodies." She focused on the importance of Roe v. Wade and the consequences of its potential overturning, particularly for women in low-income communities. Harris made it clear that the Biden administration would continue to fight for reproductive rights. According to post-debate polls, 71% of viewers agreed with Harris’ stance on abortion, while Trump’s extreme rhetoric alienated some voters.

Healthcare: Trump’s Vague Promises vs Harris’ Detailed Plans

When the conversation turned to healthcare, Trump reiterated his promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which he had attempted throughout his presidency. "Obamacare is a disaster," he said, promising a "phenomenal" healthcare plan that he didn’t provide specifics for. "It’s going to be cheaper, better, and it’ll cover everyone," Trump claimed, although he offered no details on how this would be achieved.

Harris, in contrast, laid out a more detailed plan. She defended Obamacare and spoke about expanding coverage, especially for low-income families. "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege," Harris said, earning applause from the audience. She highlighted the administration's efforts to lower prescription drug costs and expand Medicaid. A significant portion of the audience seemed to resonate with Harris’ detailed approach, with 60% agreeing that she had a better handle on healthcare policy than Trump.

Law and Order: Trump’s Tough Talk vs Harris’ Balanced Approach

On law and order, Trump stuck to his well-worn talking points, blaming rising crime rates on Democratic-run cities and advocating for a return to his "law and order" policies. "These cities are a disaster, and it’s because of people like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden," Trump said. He painted a grim picture of the state of the nation, describing scenes of chaos and disorder.

Harris, however, struck a more balanced tone. While she acknowledged the rise in crime, she emphasized the need for reform and collaboration between law enforcement and communities. "We cannot just rely on force; we need to build trust," Harris said. She pointed to successful programs that have reduced crime by investing in education, jobs, and mental health services. While Trump’s base seemed energized by his tough rhetoric, Harris’ approach was seen as more forward-thinking by a majority of viewers.

Who Won?

In the end, it depends on who you ask. A CNN poll immediately following the debate showed that 63% of viewers believed Harris came out on top, while 37% felt Trump had the upper hand. Social media was ablaze with both sides claiming victory, but the data tells a more nuanced story.

On economic issues, Trump managed to hold his ground, with a slight edge in voter perception. But when it came to immigration, abortion, and healthcare, Harris was seen as the more compassionate and practical candidate. Her ability to counter Trump’s aggressive tactics with calm and clarity won her the night in the eyes of many.

But in true Trump fashion, the former president declared himself the winner before the polls were even in. "I thought this was my best debate yet," he told reporters in the spin room, dismissing early analysis that gave the win to Harris. He even hinted that he might skip the next debate, saying, "The reason you do a second debate is if you lose, and they lost."