President Joe Biden expressed strong support for Kamala Harris following her debate performance against Donald Trump, praising her leadership in a heartfelt message. “America got to see tonight the leader I’ve been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn’t even close. VP Harris proved she’s the best choice to lead our nation forward. We’re not going back,” Biden tweeted, showing his enthusiasm for his vice president.
This debate was a significant boost for Democrats, especially after Biden’s previous debate performance on June 27th resulted in his withdrawal as a presidential candidate. While Harris took center stage, Biden remained focused on his presidential duties, hosting the University of South Carolina women’s and UConn men’s basketball teams at the White House to celebrate their NCAA championship victories.
Early CNN polls following the debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia showed Harris leading Trump with 63% of viewers saying she won, compared to Trump’s 37%. However, the debate’s outcome remains contested, with supporters from both parties claiming victory online. Trump, true to form, declared himself the winner immediately after stepping off stage, reported The Mirror US.
The candidates sparred on major issues like the economy, abortion, and immigration, standing just six feet apart. Trump repeatedly tried to tie Harris to Biden, blaming her for the administration’s economic challenges. “She is Biden,” Trump said, pointing to inflation. “The worst inflation we’ve ever had. A horrible economy because inflation has made it so bad. And she can’t get away with that.”
Harris pushed back, asserting her independence. “Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country,” she responded, distancing herself from Trump’s criticism and focusing on her vision for the future.
Trump also criticized Harris for shifting away from some of her more progressive positions from the 2020 Democratic primary, warning voters not to trust her more moderate tone. Despite the back-and-forth, the Harris campaign called for a second debate immediately after the closing arguments, confident in her performance. Trump, speaking to Hannity in the spin room, expressed hesitation, saying, “Of course she wants one, she lost,” comparing it to a losing fighter eager for a rematch.