Donald Trump to debate with Kamala Harris before the US Presidential Elections 2024

[The Bald Eagle]

US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are at odds over their first head-to-head debate, with each in favour of a different broadcaster and date.

The Harris campaign is pushing for a debate to take place on ABC News on 10 September, in a slot previously scheduled for a debate between President Joe Biden and Mr Trump.

But Mr Trump says the ABC debate has been "terminated" by Mr Biden leaving the race - and has instead pushed for himself and Ms Harris to debate on Fox News on 4 September

The pair will face off for the presidency when the US goes to the polls on 5 November.

The disagreement began after President Biden dropped out of the race on 21 July, with Ms Harris immediately becoming favourite to secure the Democratic nomination.

Relive a wild month in US politics in about two minutes

Since then, Mr Trump has been non-committal about whether he will still take part in the previously scheduled ABC News debate.
US TV networks have been negotiating with both campaigns to arrange new dates.

On Friday night, Mr Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social that he had accepted Fox News' proposal for a debate on 4 September, which is pencilled to take place in Pennsylvania - a key battleground state.He wrote that the moderators would be Fox News’ Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum - and that the rules would be similar to his debate with Mr Biden.

"If for any reason Kamala is unwilling or unable to debate on that date, I have agreed with Fox to do a major Town Hall on the same September 4th evening," he wrote. The Harris campaign hit back, saying: “Donald Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out.”

“He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on Sept 10," Michael Tyler, Harris Campaign

communications director said.Ms Harris secured enough pledges to become the Democratic nominee on Friday.During a campaign rally in Atlanta on Wednesday, Ms Harris challenged Mr Trump to debate her, saying “if you got something to say, say it to my face".

The debate news comes just hours after a report by the Homeland Security Department revealed that the US Secret Service made mistakes in their response to the 6 January attack on the US Capitol.

Ms Harris, who was then vice-president-elect, came within 20ft (6m) of a "viable" pipe bomb planted outside the Democratic National Committee's headquarters in Washington.

That bomb - and a similar one found at the Republican National Committee headquarters - were placed near the buildings the night before Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. It remains unclear who planted both pipe bombs.

Source: BBC

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Trump team targets Walz and his military record in attempt to slow down Harris​

But the Trump campaign is now on offense, with its vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance leading an attack on the military record and credibility of Vice President Kamala Harris’s new running mate Tim Walz. The focus on the Minnesota governor and claims that he sidestepped a deployment to Iraq by retiring from the Army National Guard to run for Congress in 2005 represented a searing welcome to the hard knuckle reality of a major national campaign against opponents for whom no issue is off limits.

The Republican nominee left it to Vance to troll the newly minted Democratic ticket through the critical swing state territory Wednesday as a fresh 90-day race for the White House burst into life.


Harris and Walz held two high-energy rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan that showed the euphoria inside a once-despairing Democratic Party for its two new candidates.

The Democratic nominee borrowed a trick from Trump’s playbook, performing a dramatic arrival scene aboard Air Force Two in Michigan that mirrored his past use of the bigger presidential jet before a packed airport rally. For the second day in a row, Harris appeared before thousands of excited supporters who spelled out a collective warning sign for Trump — who is known to obsess over crowd sizes. She appeared to be quickly settling into her novel role as her party’s official candidate, displaying flashes of charisma and increasing confidence as her political honeymoon showed no signs of ending.

In one moment that delighted her supporters, Harris icily stared down hecklers in Detroit who chanted what appeared to be a pro-Palestinian message. “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that, otherwise, I’m speaking,” Harris said. It was a micro episode, but the video of the put-down quickly went viral on social media in a way that enhanced the vice president’s image as she navigated one of the many challenges she’s going to face in the next three months.

The Trump team begins its counter-attack
Trump’s team, meanwhile, tipped its hand on how it plans to halt Harris’ momentum and discredit her new sidekick, whom she delights in highlighting as a coach, a veteran and an archetypal Midwestern dad.

The former president has struggled to find a way to respond to the sudden change in his opponent after President Joe Biden bowed to Democratic fears that he was too old to serve a second term. Trump’s claims that Harris is not really Black and his deliberate mangling of her name in juvenile social media posts as “Kamabla” only underscore how he seems adrift.

The Republican nominee will make a new attempt to reset the narrative of the race and to interrupt Harris’ strong start on Thursday. He said on Truth Social that he’ll hold a press conference at Mar-A-Lago at 2 p.m. ET.

ST. PAUL, MN. - JANUARY 2023: Surrounded by some of his commissioners, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and First Lady Gwen Walz, innesota DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party) Governor Tim Walz unvelied the part of his budget that focuses on education and kid-focused spending, at Adams Spanish Immersion Elementary, St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday, January 17, 2023. (Photo by Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
A look at Walz’s progressive policies as Minnesota’s governor
Trump on Wednesday called into his safe space on Fox News from his Florida club to claim he was “thrilled” that Harris had chosen Walz, billing the Democratic team as radical and too far left for America. “This is a ticket that would want this country to go communist immediately, if not sooner,” Trump said. His attacks, however, were mostly unfocused and of only limited effectiveness as he again failed to spell out a clear and concise case against his rival.

Vance was more forensic. In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he held an event that was much smaller than Harris’ outdoor rally but that directly addressed key economic concerns that preoccupy voters in the region, including high prices, the cost of housing and energy and food. “I know that we can do better. We were doing better when Donald J. Trump was president,” Vance said. In a new rhetorical twist, he all but ignored Biden and kept referring to the “Harris administration,” implying the vice president was the real power in the White House.

Harris showed in the same western Wisconsin city that she understands that the economic issues that bedeviled the Biden administration, despite a strong post-Covid-19 rebound, are a huge concern. “We will continue to fight for affordable housing, for affordable health care, affordable childcare and paid leave,” she told the crowd. “While our economy is doing well, by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it and I know it.”

How Vance and Trump think they can trip up Harris
In another front of its emerging offensive against Harris, the Trump campaign cranked up pressure on the vice president to do a major media interview, apparently hoping to goad her into a forum in which she’s historically been more vulnerable than when delivering scripted speeches.

Source: CNN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

First Trump refused a presidential debate on ABC channel and Kamala boasted and when he agreed she simply slipped away.lol

 

[sweep_shot]

Trump vs Kamala.

I am expecting a one-sided and boring debate.

 

[Red-Indian]

Trump will have to come up with something to stop the momentum. He should stop faffing around and immediately agree to debate her any time any place. It's a risk. He'll look very old and decrepit next to her on TV but his hectoring style should put her off balance.

I predicted Trump would have to agree. All his bluffing about not needing to debate her and that he'd only do it on his terms was just silly. It's come to the point now where he needs it far more than she does. It's so easy to predict what's going to happen in these debates.

Kamala's not really going to debate. She'll say a line or two about the topic and then move to her talking points. More like an elocution. She's going to look young and talk young to highlight that she's almost 20 years younger than this old, unfit guy. She'll try very hard to avoid getting drawn into any slanging match. Bonus points for guessing how many times she'll use the word 'weird.' Her main danger is looking wooden and over-prepared.

Trump's going to come out all guns blazing. He'll use every trick in the book and then some to heckle her and force her to go off script hoping to make her look unsettled and uncertain. His main danger is looking like a boor and a bully.

Main chance for Trump to halt what's looking like unstoppable momentum.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Debate showdown between Trump and Harris set for September

ABC News has said it will host the first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on 10 September.

The network confirmed the showdown in a post on X, formerly Twitter, after Trump said on Thursday that he would be open to debating his Democratic rival multiple times before the November election.

“We think we should do three debates,” Trump said, suggesting two additional debates that he said would be hosted by Fox News and NBC, respectively.

Ms Harris confirmed that she will attend the ABC debate while at an event in Michigan on Thursday, and said later that she would be open to additional debates.

The network said the debate will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.

“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump and we have a date of September 10. I hear he’s finally committed to it and I’m looking forward to it," Ms Harris said at the event in Detroit.

Trump, the Republican candidate, debated President Joe Biden once in June.

The two were slated to do so again on 10 September but Mr Biden withdrew from the presidential race after a disastrous performance against Trump in the televised matchup. That paved the way for Ms Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

The confirmation of the debate on ABC marks an end to a back-and-forth that followed Mr Biden's decision to leave the race between the Trump and Harris campaigns over that planned showdown.

Trump had previously said that he wanted a debate hosted by the conservative network Fox News, saying it would take place in Pennsylvania, "at a site in an area to be determined".

The Harris campaign had maintained they would still like to debate Trump on 10 September.

At a news conference on Thursday at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump also said he would like to debate Ms Harris two additional times - on 4 September on Fox News and on 25 September on NBC.

Trump said that CBS will host a debate between the two vice-presidential nominees, Republican JD Vance and Democratic Tim Walz.

NBC News is reportedly in discussions with both campaigns about a potential debate this autumn, the New York Times reported.

Fox News said it sent formal letters to both campaigns last month proposing a September debate in Pennsylvania, though the Harris campaign said on Thursday that "Trump has to show up" to the ABC debate before they confirm any further showdowns.

Trump also criticised Ms Harris for not taking reporter questions or doing an interview since she became the likely Democratic nominee just over two weeks ago.

He called her “barely competent” and criticised her intelligence.

Later on Thursday, Ms Harris told reporters that she has asked her team to "get an interview scheduled" before the end of the month.

Trump's hour-long event was held amid reports that his campaign is feeling the pressure from Democrats, who have new enthusiasm under Ms Harris and have been dominating headlines.

National and battleground state polls suggest her campaign has gained ground in recent days, though the race for the White House remains a close contest.

The former president denied he had "recalibrated" his campaign to challenge Ms Harris instead of Mr Biden, and he appeared to *****le when asked about the audience Ms Harris draws at rallies.

"Oh, give me a break," he said, arguing that crowds at his rallies were larger than at hers.

His Thursday news conference is the first he has held in several months, as his campaign has previously focused on holding rallies across the country.

Trump also praised his running mate Mr Vance, who was recently under fire for comments he made in 2021 when he said those without children shouldn't be leading the country and that women who don't have children are "miserable" and "childless cat ladies".

“I have to tell you, JD Vance has really stepped up,” Trump said. “He's doing a fantastic job.”

He took aim at Ms Harris' track record on immigration and the economy.

And he repeated his belief that US presidents should have a say over interest rates and monetary policy - a departure from the longstanding practice of having the US Federal Reserve, an independent body, oversee these matters.

He emphasised his priorities of lowering inflation, lowering crime rates and strengthening the military.

Ms Harris on Thursday addressed United Auto Workers in Detroit, and thanked the union for endorsing her.

She said there are "89 days to get this done" ahead of the election.

BBC

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Latest Harris-Trump poll highlights danger for former president in Florida​

The red wave that washed over Florida in recent years might not be as large as it once seemed, if a new presidential survey is any indication.

Vice President Kamala Harris is within “striking distance” of former President Donald Trump in Florida, according to the pollster behind a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV survey of 500 likely voters released Tuesday.

Trump leads Harris by 5 percentage points in the survey, but that’s closer than other recent polls and much less than Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 19-point blowout in 2022. It’s also within the poll’s +/- 4.4% margin of error and another sign of the enthusiasm Harris has generated nationwide within the Democratic Party since she entered the race.

Trump received the support of 47% of those in the USA TODAY/Suffolk/WSVN-TV Florida survey, compared with 42% for Harris and 5% for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with 5% undecided or refusing to disclose their choice. The poll was conducted by phone from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11.

Once viewed as the nation's largest swing state and fiercely contested during presidential elections, Florida's battleground status increasingly has been in doubt after Trump bested President Joe Biden by 3.3 percentage points in 2020, DeSantis dominated two years later and Democrats fell dramatically behind Republicans in voter registration.

Florida now has 1 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, a tough hurdle for any Democratic candidate to overcome.

"Given those circumstances I was surprised that Harris is within striking distance being only 5 points down," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.

Source: USA Today

 

[Savak]

Latest Harris-Trump poll highlights danger for former president in Florida​

The red wave that washed over Florida in recent years might not be as large as it once seemed, if a new presidential survey is any indication.

Vice President Kamala Harris is within “striking distance” of former President Donald Trump in Florida, according to the pollster behind a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV survey of 500 likely voters released Tuesday.

Trump leads Harris by 5 percentage points in the survey, but that’s closer than other recent polls and much less than Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 19-point blowout in 2022. It’s also within the poll’s +/- 4.4% margin of error and another sign of the enthusiasm Harris has generated nationwide within the Democratic Party since she entered the race.

Trump received the support of 47% of those in the USA TODAY/Suffolk/WSVN-TV Florida survey, compared with 42% for Harris and 5% for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with 5% undecided or refusing to disclose their choice. The poll was conducted by phone from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11.

Once viewed as the nation's largest swing state and fiercely contested during presidential elections, Florida's battleground status increasingly has been in doubt after Trump bested President Joe Biden by 3.3 percentage points in 2020, DeSantis dominated two years later and Democrats fell dramatically behind Republicans in voter registration.

Florida now has 1 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, a tough hurdle for any Democratic candidate to overcome.

"Given those circumstances I was surprised that Harris is within striking distance being only 5 points down," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.

Source: USA Today

Lol at the desperate attempts by the American establishment to demoralize Trump supporters. Kamala has not given a single interview since the nomination, she hasn't given a single impressive speech to date and she was a useless VP and now automatically she is narrowing the gap vs Trump in the polls.

I have been watching the main stream news channels of late CNN, BBC, CNBC, ABC and there is no much dishonesty, badniyati in the manner in which they report regarding Trump and the Democrats.

Very similar to the Establishment tactics in the media vs PTI, IK.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Lol at the desperate attempts by the American establishment to demoralize Trump supporters. Kamala has not given a single interview since the nomination, she hasn't given a single impressive speech to date and she was a useless VP and now automatically she is narrowing the gap vs Trump in the polls.

I have been watching the main stream news channels of late CNN, BBC, CNBC, ABC and there is no much dishonesty, badniyati in the manner in which they report regarding Trump and the Democrats.

Very similar to the Establishment tactics in the media vs PTI, IK.

Yep but still to no avail

 

[BouncerGuy]

Harris campaign says it will participate in 2 presidential debates and 1 VP debate

The Harris campaign said Thursday it will participate in a total of three debates this election season: two presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.

The campaign in a statement sought to put an end to the Trump campaign’s suggestion of additional debates before Election Day, declaring the “debate about debates is over.”

“Assuming Donald Trump actually shows up on September 10 to debate Vice President Harris, then Governor Walz will see JD Vance on October 1 and the American people will have another opportunity to see the vice president and Donald Trump on the debate stage in October,” campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement.

“Voters deserve to see the candidates for the highest office in the land share their competing visions for our future,” he added. “The more they play games, the more insecure and unserious Trump and Vance reveal themselves to be to the American people. Those games end now.”

Vice President Harris has agreed to debate former President Trump on Sept. 10 on ABC News. Trump has said he accepted two other proposed debates, one on Sept. 4 on Fox News and another on Sept. 25 on NBC News.

But Thursday’s statement makes clear Harris will not partake in either the Fox or NBC events but would instead participate in an October debate with Trump, as long as he attends the Sept. 10 showdown.

On the vice presidential front, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) have agreed to an Oct. 1 debate hosted by CBS News.

In accepting that date, Vance proposed a second one Sept. 18 hosted by CNN. Thursday’s statement from the Harris campaign indicated there would only be one vice presidential debate, which is in line with historical norms.

Trump had previously agreed to two debates with President Biden: one on June 27 and another Sept. 10. But Biden’s disastrous performance in the June debate triggered calls for him to step aside as the Democratic nominee, which he did in late July.

Democrats quickly coalesced behind Harris as the nominee, and she has surged in the polls, erasing Trump’s lead.

SOURCE:https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4829658-kamala-harris-donald-trump-debates-2024/

 

[KingKhanWC]

Trump will lose imo. Harris will get the ethnic , liberal, immigrant, celeb followers votes .

It’s not a huge concern for the world , both have the same foreign policies .

But if there’s a huge war between Iran & Israel , trump will win …

 

[BouncerGuy]

Trump and Harris battle over election’s biggest issue

After almost a year off the platform, Donald Trump returned to X this week and asked his 89 million followers: “Are you better off now than you were when I was president?”

It was a clear echo of the famous quote from Ronald Reagan during his victorious 1980 presidential campaign, when he asked: “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?”

This messaging isn’t surprising. It seems like an obvious strategy for Trump to focus on the economy.

That’s because polls consistently suggest it’s the issue American voters care about the most. One such poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov in recent days listed “inflation/prices” and “jobs and the economy” among voters’ top concerns.

Perhaps more importantly, polls also indicate voters are deeply unhappy with the current state of affairs.

That seems like a perfect situation for any presidential challenger.

But in an election that’s been transformed by Kamala Harris taking over from Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate, Trump seems to be struggling to land his simple message on the economy.

It is less than a month since he was on stage at the Republican National Convention looking unbeatable, having survived an assassination attempt and riding high in the opinion polls.

Now, he has lost that lead and seems to have lost his way. Meanwhile, in the opposition corner, Ms Harris is riding a wave of excitement and enthusiasm that he is finding difficult to counter.

The easiest way to burst her bubble would be to remind voters how unhappy they are about high prices and blame her for the inflation that has pushed up the cost of living during the time she has been beside President Biden in the White House.

One of the reasons Trump is failing to land that message is the Harris campaign’s strategy of putting proposals to try to lower the cost of living at the heart of her pitch.

In a speech in North Carolina on Friday, Ms Harris promised to expand child tax credits, help people to purchase their first homes, and to encourage the building of more affordable housing.

She also said she hoped to tackle the persistently high price of food and groceries by banning “price gouging” or excessive corporate profiteering.

"By any measure, our economy is the strongest in the world,” she said. “Many Americans don't yet feel that progress in their daily lives."

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ought to be able to boast about some very good economic indicators. There is strong growth, record levels of job creation, and this week the inflation rate fell below 3% for the first time during Mr Biden’s presidency.

But because prices are still high, voters don’t feel any better off. Voters don’t care about the rate of inflation – they care about the level of prices.

“A central banker wants inflation to get back to target. A shopper wants his or her old price back," Jared Bernstein, the chair of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers, said in a July speech.

When it comes to the economy, “the vibes are off”.

“Vibes matter,” Mr Bernstein said.

So will the bad economic vibes hurt the Harris campaign?

That is what I asked voters over lunch at a crab shack on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

Jeff Tester, who works in a nearby marina, said high prices are really hurting him.

“I get paid by the hour. I get up to go to work every day. I think you have to do that to get the American dream,” he said. “But I just know it's getting harder.”

And he is very clear about who he sees as responsible. “I blame the Democrats. I believe their policies are hurting the working man,” he said.

Every diner I met complained about inflation, but not everyone held Mr Biden or Ms Harris responsible.

Dan Nardo, a retired boat broker, said he believed the pandemic, oil prices, foreign wars and supply chain issues have more to do with price rises than the US president.

His friend Randy Turk, a retired lawyer, told me that he felt a new administration is likely to follow a similar path to try to reduce inflation, regardless of who wins.

“It's not like a different president can really make that much of a difference,” he said.

Ms Harris struggled for prominence and media coverage during most of her time as vice-president. Previously that was seen as a weakness. But if it means she can emerge untainted by “Bidenomics”, it could be one of her greatest strengths.

Ruth Igielnik, polling editor at the New York Times, says the latest data she has collected suggests “voters very much tied their negative feelings about the economy to Joe Biden”.

Talking to me on the BBC’s Americast podcast, she explained that in her polling Trump is still favoured on the economy, but where he once had an 18-point lead over Mr Biden he now leads Ms Harris by only about 8 points.

“That makes me think voters aren’t necessarily attaching their feelings about the economy to her,” she said.

A separate poll this week conducted for the Financial Times and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business indicated Ms Harris holds a narrow lead over Trump on who Americans trust to handle the economy.

No wonder Republicans are publicly begging Trump to focus on the issues, the economy in particular, and stop launching personal attacks against Ms Harris.

In a speech this week, Trump told supporters he was going to talk about the economy but struggled to stay on topic.

“They say it’s the most important subject,” he said, "they" referring to his advisers and strategists who believe this is his strongest line of attack.

“I’m not sure it is. But they say it’s the most important,” he added, before going on to list immigration, crime and the way Ms Harris laughs as top issues. You could practically hear his campaign managers pulling their hair out.

“Voters don’t care about personalities or who is drawing larger crowd sizes,” said Matt Terrill, former chief of staff for Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign.

“Independent, undecided, swing voters in key states care about the economy and inflation so just focus on those core issues,” he said.

“Stay focused on talking about how you are going to make the lives of Americans better over the next four years.”

It was back in 1992 that the Democrat Jim Carville coined the slogan “It’s the economy, stupid” while he was working on Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign.

It’s advice that every campaign since has clung to. But Trump, this time around, seems to be finding it uncommonly difficult to stick with.

It ought to be a winner for him. After all, according to the Financial Times poll, in answer to his question “Are you better off now than you were when I was president?” only 19% of voters say they are.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Harris implies Trump a 'coward' during Pennsylvania campaign appearance

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris indirectly criticized former President Donald Trump on Sunday, suggesting her opponent in the Nov. 5 election was a "coward" whose politics focused on putting down rivals.

The remarks came in a campaign appearance in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania with running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, before Harris heads to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which kicks off Monday.

"Over the last several years there's been this kind of perversion that has taken place, I think, which is to suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down. When what we know is the real and true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up," Harris told a crowd of supporters. "Anybody who's about beating down other people is a coward."

She did not directly name Trump, who in a campaign appearance Saturday in eastern Pennsylvania referred to Harris as a "radical" and a "lunatic."

Opinion polls have shown Harris bringing fresh energy to the campaign and closing the gap with former President Trump both nationally and in many of the eight highly competitive states including Pennsylvania that will play a decisive role in picking Democratic President Joe Biden's successor.

Harris, who is Black and has Asian heritage, will be the first woman president if she wins in November.
Trump on Saturday said he believed she would be easier to beat than Biden, 81, who dropped out last month under pressure from his own party after a disastrous debate against Trump.


Reuters

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Donald Trump confirms debate will go ahead on 10 September, as Kamala Harris agrees to first interview since Joe Biden withdrew from election

Donald Trump has confirmed he will debate Kamala Harris on 10 September, while the vice president has agreed to her first joint interview since Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 election.

The former president has been flip-flopping on whether he will debate the Democrat nominee after initially confirming he would, asking "why am I doing it?" at a campaign stop on Monday.

In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, however, Mr Trump said he had reached an "agreement with the Radical Left Democrats" for a debate with "Comrade Kamala Harris" on ABC News.

"The rules will be the same as the last CNN Debate, which seemed to work out well for everyone except, perhaps, Crooked Joe Biden," he added, seemingly confirming the candidate's microphones will be muted.

However, the former president claimed Ms Harris would not agree to a third debate on Fox News, "but that date will be held open in case she changes her mind", and added another possible debate on Sky's partner network NBC News "has not been agreed to by the Radical Left".

Mr Trump had previously refused to debate Ms Harris unless it was on Fox News, before climbing down from his position and saying he would face her in three separate debates.

Meanwhile, CNN said Ms Harris and her vice presidential nominee Tim Walz will take part in their first joint interview on Thursday.

Donald Trump confirms debate will go ahead on 10 September, as Kamala Harris agrees to first interview since Joe Biden withdrew from election

Donald Trump suggested in Virginia that his debate with Kamala Harris may not go ahead, while the vice president has not been interviewed since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 election.

news.sky.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Harris widens lead over Trump, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 45% to 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday that showed the vice president sparking new enthusiasm among voters and shaking up the race ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The 4 percentage point advantage among registered voters was wider than a 1 point lead Harris held over the former president in a late July Reuters/Ipsos poll. The new poll, which was conducted in the eight days ended Wednesday and had a 2 percentage point margin of error, showed Harris picking up support among women and Hispanics.

Harris led Trump by 49% to 36% - or 13 percentage points - among both women voters and Hispanic voters. Across four Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted in July, Harris had a 9 point lead among women and a 6 point lead among Hispanics.

Trump led among white voters and men, both by similar margins as in July, though his lead among voters without a college degree narrowed to 7 points in the latest survey, down from 14 points in July.

The findings illustrate how the U.S. presidential race has been shaken up over the summer. President Joe Biden, 81, folded his flailing campaign on July 21 after a disastrous debate performance against Trump sparked widespread calls from his fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid.

Since then, Harris has gained ground against Trump in national polls and those in critical swing states. While national surveys including Reuters/Ipsos' give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.


Reuters

 

[Red-Indian]

Harris widens lead over Trump, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 45% to 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday that showed the vice president sparking new enthusiasm among voters and shaking up the race ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The 4 percentage point advantage among registered voters was wider than a 1 point lead Harris held over the former president in a late July Reuters/Ipsos poll. The new poll, which was conducted in the eight days ended Wednesday and had a 2 percentage point margin of error, showed Harris picking up support among women and Hispanics.

Harris led Trump by 49% to 36% - or 13 percentage points - among both women voters and Hispanic voters. Across four Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted in July, Harris had a 9 point lead among women and a 6 point lead among Hispanics.

Trump led among white voters and men, both by similar margins as in July, though his lead among voters without a college degree narrowed to 7 points in the latest survey, down from 14 points in July.

The findings illustrate how the U.S. presidential race has been shaken up over the summer. President Joe Biden, 81, folded his flailing campaign on July 21 after a disastrous debate performance against Trump sparked widespread calls from his fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid.

Since then, Harris has gained ground against Trump in national polls and those in critical swing states. While national surveys including Reuters/Ipsos' give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.


Reuters

Saw bits of the interview. Pretty anodyne - well prepared and well rehearsed. Mostly softball questions and the couple of hard ones were stuff she had anticipated and had prepared answers for - change in stance on fracking, border policing.

I'm guessing this is the way she'll handle the debate as well. Stick to her talking points like a good student. Refuse to get provoked or drawn in by Trump's bulling and baiting.

Neither of these are going to make any real difference to the race at this point. 80% of the folks are entrenched in their positions and the few mythical independants seem to have made up their minds one way or the other.

I actually think the race is more or less reaching stability. She has the slight edge - RealClearPolitics calls it 270-268 to her. Economist 277-261, Nate Silver gives her a 55% chance but the momentum has stopped. Whether that's enough given Trump's record of outperforming polls is tough to say but I think it's her Presidency to lose by a small margin. Who'd have thought it 2 months ago?

 

[deltexas]

Saw bits of the interview. Pretty anodyne - well prepared and well rehearsed. Mostly softball questions and the couple of hard ones were stuff she had anticipated and had prepared answers for - change in stance on fracking, border policing.

I'm guessing this is the way she'll handle the debate as well. Stick to her talking points like a good student. Refuse to get provoked or drawn in by Trump's bulling and baiting.

Neither of these are going to make any real difference to the race at this point. 80% of the folks are entrenched in their positions and the few mythical independants seem to have made up their minds one way or the other.

I actually think the race is more or less reaching stability. She has the slight edge - RealClearPolitics calls it 270-268 to her. Economist 277-261, Nate Silver gives her a 55% chance but the momentum has stopped. Whether that's enough given Trump's record of outperforming polls is tough to say but I think it's her Presidency to lose by a small margin. Who'd have thought it 2 months ago?

There are no independents deciding the fate of the election. It's pretty much get out the vote. Whichever party gets more of its supporters in the swing States out to vote will win the election

 

[sweep_shot]

Harris widens lead over Trump, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 45% to 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday that showed the vice president sparking new enthusiasm among voters and shaking up the race ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The 4 percentage point advantage among registered voters was wider than a 1 point lead Harris held over the former president in a late July Reuters/Ipsos poll. The new poll, which was conducted in the eight days ended Wednesday and had a 2 percentage point margin of error, showed Harris picking up support among women and Hispanics.

Harris led Trump by 49% to 36% - or 13 percentage points - among both women voters and Hispanic voters. Across four Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted in July, Harris had a 9 point lead among women and a 6 point lead among Hispanics.

Trump led among white voters and men, both by similar margins as in July, though his lead among voters without a college degree narrowed to 7 points in the latest survey, down from 14 points in July.

The findings illustrate how the U.S. presidential race has been shaken up over the summer. President Joe Biden, 81, folded his flailing campaign on July 21 after a disastrous debate performance against Trump sparked widespread calls from his fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid.

Since then, Harris has gained ground against Trump in national polls and those in critical swing states. While national surveys including Reuters/Ipsos' give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.


Reuters

One thing that may favor Kamala is that she doesn't have a dirty past like Hillary Clinton. So, Democrat voters and swing voters may not boycott her like they did to Hillary.

I think Kamala may just become the next president of USA.

 

[Varun]

Harris widens lead over Trump, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 45% to 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday that showed the vice president sparking new enthusiasm among voters and shaking up the race ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The 4 percentage point advantage among registered voters was wider than a 1 point lead Harris held over the former president in a late July Reuters/Ipsos poll. The new poll, which was conducted in the eight days ended Wednesday and had a 2 percentage point margin of error, showed Harris picking up support among women and Hispanics.

Harris led Trump by 49% to 36% - or 13 percentage points - among both women voters and Hispanic voters. Across four Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted in July, Harris had a 9 point lead among women and a 6 point lead among Hispanics.

Trump led among white voters and men, both by similar margins as in July, though his lead among voters without a college degree narrowed to 7 points in the latest survey, down from 14 points in July.

The findings illustrate how the U.S. presidential race has been shaken up over the summer. President Joe Biden, 81, folded his flailing campaign on July 21 after a disastrous debate performance against Trump sparked widespread calls from his fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid.

Since then, Harris has gained ground against Trump in national polls and those in critical swing states. While national surveys including Reuters/Ipsos' give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.


Reuters

These mainstream polls were all wrong in 2016 weren't they?

They can give the 2024 exit pollsters in India a run for their money.

 

[deltexas]

One thing that may favor Kamala is that she doesn't have a dirty past like Hillary Clinton. So, Democrat voters and swing voters may not boycott her like they did to Hillary.

I think Kamala may just become the next president of USA.

What dirty past? For someone who was in politics for decades her record is pretty good. And for the record i voted for trump in 2016. Harris is your typical prosecution attorney who preyed on the poor and economically disadvantaged to boost her career. You should check out her prosecution history in California. Hillary over Harris any day all year long..

 

[Red-Indian]

What dirty past? For someone who was in politics for decades her record is pretty good. And for the record i voted for trump in 2016. Harris is your typical prosecution attorney who preyed on the poor and economically disadvantaged to boost her career. You should check out her prosecution history in California. Hillary over Harris any day all year long..

Hillary just had no popular touch. Not cut out to be a real politician. But you're right. Nothing dirty in her past that's not typical of 99% of politicians.

 

[FearlessRoar]

As Harris Hunkers Down for Debate Prep, Trump Says 'Not a Lot to Do'​

Six days ahead of the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump is doubling down on his claim that preparation-wise, "There's not a lot to do."

As Harris, 59, is set to visit New Hampshire on Wednesday, Trump, 78, spoke on the Pulse of NH radio station about his debate preparation — or lack thereof. The presidential candidates will come face to face for a debate airing on ABC on September 10.

"I think this is true with a lot of people, but they don't say it: I've been prepared for this debate my whole life," Trump told host Jack Heath.

"You can't sit in a log cabin like Mitt Romney. Did you remember he sat there for four weeks at a log cabin, didn't talk to anybody, and then he came out, he couldn't speak? You can't do that," he claimed of the former presidential candidate.

Trump claimed that he "has meetings" about the upcoming debate, "but there's not much to do. You know your subject or not. Either have good policy or not."

Trump said of Harris, "She's changed every policy. That's why she doesn't want to debate because she doesn't know what she's changed every policy. I think there are 14 changes she made. It's a disgrace."

The former Apprentice star said something similar about debate prep to reporters last month, admitting "I'm not, really, I'm not [preparing]. I'm not spending a lot of time on it. I think my whole life I've been preparing for a debate."

Meanwhile, Harris is reportedly setting aside time between her campaign events to prepare to face Trump. She is allegedly focusing on remaining unfazed by Trump's personal attacks and reminding viewers of life during the Trump years.

Trump also used his radio interview on Wednesday to once again call out Harris for not giving media interviews as he and his running mate JD Vance have been doing. A pre-recorded interview with Harris and her running mate Tim Walz aired on CNN on Thursday night which was mostly met with approval that she can give unscripted interviews.

"She's either not smart enough to do them, or something's wrong," Trump said of his rival's lack of facetime with the press. "There's something wrong."

Trump went on to call Harris a "Marxist" and "fascist" when it comes to the economy.

"We can't go another four years with a dumb president. We can't do it," he added. "We had four years with a president that should never have been there, and we can't have it. We're not going to have a country left."

During her CNN interview, Harris addressed several notable points, emphasizing that her "values have not changed," even though her stance on banning fracking and decriminalizing the border has evolved since her 2020 campaign. Harris also outlined her economic plan, announcing that her first-day priority would be to implement her "opportunity economy" strategy, aimed at reducing everyday expenses. Additionally, she proposed increasing the child tax credit to $6,000 for families during their child's first year.

Regarding Trump's criticisms about her race, Harris, who has Indian and Jamaican heritage, was hesitant to engage. She dismissed Trump's claim that she had "suddenly turned Black" for political purposes as part of the "same old, tired playbook," and moved on with, "Next question, please."

As Harris Hunkers Down for Debate Prep, Trump Says 'Not a Lot to Do'

Trump claims he was born ready to debate Kamala Harris on September 10 on ABC.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Kamala Harris accepts rules for Sept. 10 debate with Trump on ABC, including microphone muting

Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the rules set forth for next week’s debate with former President Donald Trump, although the Democratic nominee says the decision not to keep both candidates’ microphones live throughout the matchup will be to her disadvantage.

The development, which came Wednesday by way of a letter from Harris’ campaign to host network ABC News, seemed to mark a conclusion to the debate over microphone muting, which had for a time threatened to derail the Sept. 10 presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

President Joe Biden’s campaign had made the muting of microphones, except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak, a condition of his decision to accept any debates this year. Some aides have said they now regret that decision, saying voters were shielded from hearing Trump’s outbursts during the June debate. A disastrous performance for the incumbent Democrat fueled his exit from the campaign.

Once Harris rose in Biden’s stead and became their party’s pick for president, her campaign had advocated for live microphones for the whole debate, saying previously that the practice would “fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates.”

But on Wednesday, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Harris’ advisers wrote that the former prosecutor will be “fundamentally disadvantaged by this format, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President.”

“We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign’s insistence on muted microphones,” her campaign added.

Despite those concerns, Harris’ campaign wrote, “we understand that Donald Trump is a risk to skip the debate altogether, as he has threatened to do previously, if we do not accede to his preferred format.” So as not to “jeopardize the debate,” Harris’ campaign wrote, “we accepted the full set of rules proposed by ABC, including muted microphones.”

According to an official with Harris’ campaign, a pool of journalists will be on hand to hear what the muted candidate may be trying to say when his or her microphone is turned off. That detail was not in the full debate rules, also released Wednesday by ABC, which are essentially the same as they were for the June debate between Trump and Biden.

The network laid out parameters from the basic format — 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks — to specifications that moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis “will be the only people asking questions,” perhaps hoping to avert a free-for-all between the candidates.

“Moderators will seek to enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion,” the network noted.
The Harris campaign official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss planning around the debate, said a candidate who repeatedly interrupts will receive a warning from a moderator, and both candidates’ microphones may be unmuted if there is significant crosstalk so the audience can understand what’s happening.

After a virtual coin flip held Tuesday and won by Trump, the GOP nominee opted to offer the final closing statement, while Harris chose the podium on the right side of viewers’ screens. There will be no audience, written notes or any topics or questions shared with campaigns or candidates in advance, the network said.


Arab News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Trump lobs same insults at Harris and Walz in Pennsylvania town hall​

Donald Trump lobbed his usual insults and accusations at Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during a town hall aired on Fox News and then falsely claimed that immigrants from around the world were pouring into the US.

The pre-taped interview aired on Wednesday evening. The former president walked onto the stage in a Pennsylvania arena to cheers, applause and chants of “USA” from his supporters.

The town hall, hosted by Sean Hannity, comes less than a week before Trump and Kamala Harris meet on the debate stage and as both presidential candidates’ campaigns have drilled down on the US’s six so-called battleground states: Nevada, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona. The election forecaster Nate Silver predicted that Pennsylvania is more likely than any other state to be the “tipping point” for the election.

It also aired hours after two students and two teachers were shot and killed at Apalachee high school in Georgia. When asked about the shooting, Trump said: “It’s a sick and angry world for a lot of reasons and we’re going to make it better. We’re going to heal our world. We’re going to get rid of all these wars that are starting all over the place because of incompetence … We’re going to make it better.”

As he often does, Trump spent time lambasting the Biden-Harris administration over crime, immigration and the intersection of the two issues. Calling the vice-president the “border czar”, he falsely claimed that 20 million people – many of whom he claims have come straight out of prisons and “insane asylums” – have “poured into our country”. He also made mention of reports about an apartment in Aurora, Colorado, being taken over by gang members. Harris was never given the title of border czar.

Trump also made reference to family members of the vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz posting a photo with “Nebraska Walz’s for Trump” T-shirts and thanked them for endorsing him. The photo is reportedly of distant cousins of Walz’s who are related to the Minnesota governor on his father’s side, the Associated Press reports.

After incorrectly thanking Walz’s father for his endorsement, he called Walz “weird” in an ongoing attempt to turn the tables on Walz, who began calling Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, weird during stops and interviews for Harris’s campaign.

Source: The Guardian

 

[BouncerGuy]

Harris and Trump to debate in pivotal campaign test

Presidential debates matter in American politics. And the one that takes place on Tuesday night between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris – their only currently scheduled face-off – may matter more than most.

Joe Biden’s poor performance in the first presidential debate in late June created a firestorm of pressure within the Democratic Party that ultimately forced him to abandon his re-election campaign.

Even though Kamala Harris has been vice-president for more than three years and a candidate for president for seven weeks, she is still a relative unknown for many Americans. In a recent New York Times survey, 28% of likely November voters said that they needed to know more about the Californian.

That poll showed the race a statistical dead heat – a finding most recent surveys have also indicated, both nationally and in key battleground states. The 2024 presidential campaign has been full of historic tumult, but the American electorate is still sharply – and narrowly - divided.

That underscores the importance of Tuesday night’s debate, where even small shifts in the mood of the electorate could be the difference between victory and defeat for the candidates.

For Ms Harris, the showdown in Philadelphia provides an opportunity for her to flesh out the details before an audience of tens of millions – although she will have to do so while under rhetorical fire from her Republican opponent.

This opportunity is not without risks, however, as Ms Harris could define herself – and her positions – in ways that damage her electoral prospects. She has struggled in the past with answering pointed questions under pressure, and her reluctance to sit for media interviews in the opening weeks of her campaign has denied her the opportunity to hone her linguistic chops.

Although she has tried to present herself as the change candidate in this election, the moderators – and the former president – are likely to press her to defend the Biden administration’s record, particularly on areas where polls show Democrats are weak, such as border security and inflation.

She will also have to explain why she has renounced some of the more liberal policies she embraced during her unsuccessful bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. She recently has walked back her positions on a fracking ban, decriminalising border crossing and nationalising health insurance, among others.

She has explained these changes as ones made to reflect new circumstances – but they may be viewed by some voters as moves born of political expediency.

For Trump, the debate presents an opportunity to wrest back the initiative in this campaign after a month where the Democrats – with their new nominee and high-energy convention – dominated political headlines. He has a history of thriving in the spotlight and setting the terms of political conversation that keeps his opponents off-balance and his issues – notably on immigration and trade, where his positions have broad popular support – at the forefront of political discussion.

The former president has his own potential pitfalls on Tuesday, however. His uneven performance during his June debate with Mr Biden drew little scrutiny because of his opponent’s sometimes catastrophic verbal miscues. Ms Harris is sure to present a more nimble opponent, and his answers will have to be sharper.

During a New York economic forum last week, he was unable to offer a clear explanation for his childcare policies. Such verbal meandering during the debate will provide Democrats with a wealth of campaign fodder.

Trump must also tread carefully when sparring with the vice-president – only the second woman presidential nominee and the first of colour. If he comes across as domineering or belittling, he could further damage his already weak support among female voters.

The two candidates have used markedly different ways of preparing for Tuesday night’s event. The vice-president – and former prosecutor - has been in Pittsburgh, a few hours drive east of Philadelphia, holding mock debates and reviewing her policy proposals. The move also allowed her to campaign and benefit from some local media coverage in the largest and most crucial battleground state of Pennyslvania.

Trump – who has participated in presidential debates in each of the past three elections - has held more informal sessions, including reviewing his positions on key issues. Last week, he participated in a town hall forum hosted by conservative cable network Fox News.

Tuesday, then, is set to be a contrast of styles as well as political views.

Although election day won’t arrive until November, early voting is set to begin this month in some key battleground states – including in pivotal Pennsylvania.

So while this debate could help set the political environment for the last two months of the 2024 presidential race, it also will be the last chance for the two candidates to reach some voters in states where every ballot matters.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Who won the US presidential debate?

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris met for the first time on the presidential debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

They may have shaken hands, but they did not hit it off.

In a fiery 90 minutes, Harris frequently rattled the former president with personal attacks that threw him off message and raised the temperature of this highly-anticipated contest.

Her pointed digs on the size of his rally crowds, his conduct during the Capitol riot, and on the officials who served in his administration who have since become outspoken critics of his campaign repeatedly left Trump on the back foot.

The pattern for much of this debate was Harris goading her Republican rival into making extended defences of his past conduct and comments. He gladly obliged, raising his voice at times and shaking his head.

Americans should go to a Trump rally, Harris said during an early question about immigration, because they were illuminating. “People start leaving the rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,” she said.

That barb clearly rattled the former president, as he then spent most of his answer – on a topic that should have been one his main area of strength – defending his rally sizes and belittling hers.

Trump went from there to an extended riff on a debunked report that Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio, were abducting and eating their neighbour’s pets.

If debates are won and lost on which candidate best takes advantage of issues where they are strong - and defends or deflects on areas of weakness - Tuesday night tilted in favour of the vice-president.

A snap CNN poll of voters watching said that Harris performed better and betting markets said the same.

This is a snapshot that could be momentary but the Harris tactic of putting Trump on the defensive was clear early in the evening when the topics covered were the economy and abortion.

Public opinion surveys indicate many Americans are unhappy with how the Biden administration – of which Harris is a key member – has handled inflation and the economy.

But Harris turned the topic to Trump’s proposed across-the-board tariffs, which she labelled a “Trump sales tax”, and then brought up Project 2025, the controversial independent conservative plan for a future Republican administration.

As he has in the past, Trump distanced himself from the project and defended his tariff plan, noting that the Biden administration had kept many of the tariffs in his first presidency. They were valid points, but it kept him from hammering the vice-president on inflation and consumer prices.

On abortion, Trump defended his handling of the issue, saying that Americans across the spectrum wanted Roe v Wade abortion protections overturned by the Supreme Court – a statement that polling does not support. He struggled to make his position clear and his answer was at times rambling.

Harris, meanwhile, took the opportunity to make an impassioned, personal appeal to families who have faced severe pregnancy complications and have been unable to receive abortion care in states that have banned the procedure – states with “Trump abortion bans”, as she called them.

“It’s insulting to the women of America,” she concluded.

It was a carefully modulated message in an area in which she has a double-digit advantage over Trump.

Time and time again as the evening progressed, Harris put Trump on the defensive with jabs and barbs that he could have ignored but seemingly felt compelled to address.

At one point, Harris was asked about the liberal positions, such as those on oil shale fracking, that she took during her failed 2019 presidential campaign and has since abandoned. Her deliberate prodding continued and she ended her answer by noting that she did not take handouts from her wealthy father.

Again, the former president took the bait. Instead of hitting the vice-president on her shifting views – a clear area of weakness – he opened his response by talking about the “tiny fraction” of money he took from his father.

On the Afghanistan withdrawal, another weak point for Harris, the vice-president shifted the conversation to Trump’s negotiations with Taliban officials and inviting them to Camp David. It was a pattern that played out over and over and proved very effective.

Republicans are already complaining about what they say was the favouritism the ABC moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, showed toward Harris. Both of them pushed back and fact-checked assertions made by Trump on several occasions.

In the end, however, it was Trump’s responses and eagerness to take and devour whatever bait Harris set out for him that was the story of the evening.

And that played out in the faces of the two candidates. Whenever her opponent was talking, Harris took on a studied look of bemusement or incredulity. Trump, for his part, mostly scowled.

Up until now, the Harris campaign had been coy about whether she would agree to another debate. Almost immediately after this one ended, they called for a second presidential debate before November.

That alone should indicate how well the Democrats think Tuesday night went for Harris.

BBC

 

[Red-Indian]

Saw some clips of the debate. Felt like Kamala got the debate she wanted - stuck to her talking points and unleashed some pithy one-liners that Trump predictably reacted to. Very fuzzy on the economy though. Mostly felt though like she held serve rather than broke it.

Overall, I think this shouldn't move the needle much either way. It's going to remain a close race with maybe a shade of an edge for the Dems.

 

[deltexas]

Saw the whole debate and will say Harris absolutely won the debate. You could see she was well prepared and battle savvy. Trump was good initially but then got unhinged and kept taking the baits. Whether this moves the needle remains to be seen. Still Pennsylvania and Georgia are the 2 crucial states

 

[Rajdeep]

Kamala's facial expressions were so fake..looks like Obama trained her. Birds of same feather flock together as they say.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Kamala Harris tells Donald Trump 'Putin would eat you for lunch' as presidential candidates clash in TV debate

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

Ms Harris's attacks appeared to get under her rival's skin at times, claiming people left his rallies out of "boredom" and Russian President Vladimir Putin "would eat him for lunch".

Meanwhile, Mr Trump frequently resorted to accusing her of allowing massive illegal immigration, as well as being a dangerous "Marxist" and the worst vice president ever.

The debate in Philadelphia began with Ms Harris approaching Mr Trump for a handshake - an awkward pleasantry in the 100-minute face-off.

Ms Harris addressed voters directly into the camera several times as she made promises including cutting the cost of living and restoring abortion rights.

The ex-president, however, focused on the two moderators throughout as the debate took place without a live studio audience.

In the opening duels, Mr Trump claimed Ms Harris had no plan for the economy and - as part of the Biden administration - had presided over high inflation and a flood of illegal immigrants taking jobs.

The vice president, in turn, accused the Republican of planning "a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations".

During one of Mr Trump's frequent references to a "dangerous" immigrant influx, he made a bizarre claim there were cases of them eating people's pets.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," he said.

The debate moderator interjected to clarify that officials in Springfield, Ohio, had reported no credible reports of such incidents.

Abortion rights were another key moment of the evening.

Ms Harris hit out at "Trump abortion bans" and said it was "unconscionable" that government should dictate what women do with their bodies.

During his presidency, Mr Trump installed three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn the constitutional right to abortion in 2022.

The 78-year-old defended the move, saying the issue had been "tearing the country apart" and that he had led on IVF rights.

"Each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people now. It's not tied up in the federal government. I did a great service in doing it," said Mr Trump.

Ms Harris said his claim her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz, supported abortion in the ninth month was a "bunch of lies" as she painted a sobering picture of what some women now go through.

"Now in over 20 states there are Trump abortion bans which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care," she said.

"In one state it provides prison for life. Trump abortion bans that make no exception even for rape and incest."

'Love letters to Kim Jong-un'

The former president, who's looking to return to the White House despite his numerous legal troubles, looked rattled early on when Kamala Harris claimed people left his rallies "out of exhaustion and boredom".

Mr Trump hit back that his events were "the most incredible rallies in the history of politics" and said Ms Harris was "bussing" people to her events and "paying them".

Among other subjects, the two nominees were questioned on Ukraine, Gaza and Afghanistan.

Mr Trump suggested a win for the Democrats would end up with World War 3 and painted Ms Harris as a "horrible negotiator" who wouldn't be able to stand up for America.

She hit back that Putin "would eat you for lunch", claiming he "exchanged love letters" with Kim Jong-un and "admires dictators".

Ms Harris said America's top military commanders viewed him as a liability who is easily manipulated.

"It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favours," said Ms Harris.

Mr Trump repeated his belief the Ukraine invasion wouldn't have happened if he were in charge and claimed he would end it within days if he wins the election.

On Gaza, Ms Harris insisted Israel had a right to defend itself but that a ceasefire and a path towards a two-state solution was vital. Mr Trump claimed she "hated" Israel and had refused to meet President Netanyahu.

'Not even close'

Ms Harris's performance was praised by the man who she replaced as a candidate following his own debate debacle.

Joe Biden posted on X that the debate "wasn't even close" - but the 59-year-old told supporters afterwards there remained "a lot of work to do".

Mr Trump called it his "best debate ever" and claimed his opponent "lost" as he made a rare move of entering the spin room to defend his performance.

There are so far no plans for a second debate - with the ex-president telling reporters he would "have to think about it".

Before Tuesday night, a summary of opinion polls by FiveThirtyEight put Ms Harris just ahead at 47.2% to 44.4% - it remains to be seen if the TV showdown will significantly shift those numbers.

There was also a boost post-debate for the Democrat hopeful when Taylor Swift posted on Instagram to say she backed Ms Harris.

"I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them," she wrote.

"I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos."

Soon afterwards, the Harris campaign celebrated the endorsement on X by showcasing Harris-Walz friendship bracelets.

Referencing the lyrics of Swift's hit ...Ready For It? - her team posted an image of the bracelets, which can be purchased on the campaign's official site, saying: "Are you ready for it? Harris-Walz friendship bracelets have hit the store!"

Friendship bracelets have become synonymous with Swift and her sold-out Eras tour with fans exchanging them with one another.

SOURCE: https://news.sky.com/story/kamala-h...ential-candidates-clash-in-tv-debate-13212669

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I saw some clips. I think all Kamala had to do was show she wasn't scared of Trump. Trump is the master of debates because he can go in any direction. It is weird but works well with his base.

Kamala survived and may even have won on what is essentially Trump's arena.

I like her.

It would be nice to see a woman president and her Indianness is diluted so it's not too jarring for me.

I hope she wins.

 

[aukhan]

I hope Trump wins and save the world from more destruction. These black/Brown US presidents are a bigger nuisance to the whole world.

 

[IMMY69]

I hope Trump wins and save the world from more destruction. These black/Brown US presidents are a bigger nuisance to the whole world.

wow

 

[KingKhanWC]

Since JFK America has had one buffoon after another. There are 300 million Americans , some very smart people & this is the best two to run their country lol

Trump looked like a miserable old man , while Harris was like a hand held puppet , it reminded me of the punch & Judy show we have on seasides in the uk .

But for voters , Harris won imo . Her answers were very scripted , rehearsed & targeted the different voters . She will get most of the women , gay , immigrant, ethic , liberal , youth vote .

Trump has done his best over recent months to pls his Zionist backers but him wanting to stop wars may go against him . If Harris wins it will prob be rigged to some extent.

 

[Rajdeep]

I hope Trump wins and save the world from more destruction. These black/Brown US presidents are a bigger nuisance to the whole world.

Biden is of what skin colour?

 

[dubeTheGoat]

I hope Trump wins and save the world from more destruction. These black/Brown US presidents are a bigger nuisance to the whole world.

What kind of a self-hating comment is this? Is there any basis to this?

 

[Red-Indian]

Saw the whole debate and will say Harris absolutely won the debate. You could see she was well prepared and battle savvy. Trump was good initially but then got unhinged and kept taking the baits. Whether this moves the needle remains to be seen. Still Pennsylvania and Georgia are the 2 crucial states

I don't think these kind of debates have clear winners. All both candidates had to do was to not look like utter idiots and they both achieved it. Each side interprets it as a win for their chosen one automatically.

You're right it's going to come down to Georgia and of course Pennsylvania in particular. Both campaigns have been ramping up their ground game in these states - once early voting and mail ballots opens up is when it'll kick into high gear. I don't have any window into the Republican campaign infrastructure but the Democrats have proven the strength of their ground game in both Presidential and Senate elections in both States in the last 4 years. That's why I'd give them the edge.

 

[deltexas]

I don't think these kind of debates have clear winners. All both candidates had to do was to not look like utter idiots and they both achieved it. Each side interprets it as a win for their chosen one automatically.

You're right it's going to come down to Georgia and of course Pennsylvania in particular. Both campaigns have been ramping up their ground game in these states - once early voting and mail ballots opens up is when it'll kick into high gear. I don't have any window into the Republican campaign infrastructure but the Democrats have proven the strength of their ground game in both Presidential and Senate elections in both States in the last 4 years. That's why I'd give them the edge.

Fox News also admitted Harris won but yeah as you say whether it helps in the polls is tough to know. Trump can win even by losing Michigan Wisconsin Arizona Nevada if he wins Georgia and Pennsylvania and holds on to North Carolina. No wonder both candidates are pumping in $65m each in Pennsylvania. Will be a super tight election..

 

[deltexas]

Since JFK America has had one buffoon after another. There are 300 million Americans , some very smart people & this is the best two to run their country lol

Trump looked like a miserable old man , while Harris was like a hand held puppet , it reminded me of the punch & Judy show we have on seasides in the uk .

But for voters , Harris won imo . Her answers were very scripted , rehearsed & targeted the different voters . She will get most of the women , gay , immigrant, ethic , liberal , youth vote .

Trump has done his best over recent months to pls his Zionist backers but him wanting to stop wars may go against him . If Harris wins it will prob be rigged to some extent.

Trump was a good candidate in 2016 a disruptor an outsider. But then after winning he veered to the extreme right. He won in 2026 because he was.more a crntrist - focused on economy jobs illegal immigration no wars China tarrifs etc.. But then he went extreme with abortion and then when he lost with the stolen election agenda fraud election statements and the Jan6th riot instigation. Repeated the same mistakes this campaign as well- leave abortion and peoples besrooms out of the gov..

But one thing- Trump is the only president in a long long time to have not started a war inspote of his bombastic talk. He tried to engage even the US adversaries. He knew wars tank economic development.

Also not sure how you say Harris if she wins - the win will be rigged. US is not a banana republic. There are checks and balances in place. So even when trump refused to concede.in 2020 there were checks in place and he was removed and multiple lawsuits filed which he is dealing with even today. Really preposterous of you to say US elections can be rigged

 

[Red-Indian]

Fox News also admitted Harris won but yeah as you say whether it helps in the polls is tough to know. Trump can win even by losing Michigan Wisconsin Arizona Nevada if he wins Georgia and Pennsylvania and holds on to North Carolina. No wonder both candidates are pumping in $65m each in Pennsylvania. Will be a super tight election..

Agreed. As I said in my earlier post, Dems have been building superb ground organizations in Pennsylvania and Georgia for years now. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

In Pennsylvania
2020 - Biden took the last Presidential elections albeit narrowly
2022 - Shapiro crushed Republican opposition in the Governor elections
2022 - Fetterman crushed Oz in the Senate election despite being a prety weak candidate

In Georgia
2020 - Biden of course took the Presidential election
More importantly though, in a series of Senate elections - the two 2020 elections and then the 2022 election, Democrats have managed to mobilise and win. Stacy Abrams has really built an awesome machine there.

In my opinion, It'll take a bit of red wave to beat this infrastructure. I don't see it happening even though as you say, the Republicans are pouring money in.

 

[LordJames]

Trump will lose imo. Harris will get the ethnic , liberal, immigrant, celeb followers votes .

It’s not a huge concern for the world , both have the same foreign policies .

But if there’s a huge war between Iran & Israel , trump will win …

I disagree slightly. American are sick and tried of foreign interventions and there will be a huge reaction to American boots on the ground in the Middle East no matter who is in power. I also don't think that economically America can afford to sustain long term deployments, those days are over.

 

[LordJames]

I predicted Trump would have to agree. All his bluffing about not needing to debate her and that he'd only do it on his terms was just silly. It's come to the point now where he needs it far more than she does. It's so easy to predict what's going to happen in these debates.

Kamala's not really going to debate. She'll say a line or two about the topic and then move to her talking points. More like an elocution. She's going to look young and talk young to highlight that she's almost 20 years younger than this old, unfit guy. She'll try very hard to avoid getting drawn into any slanging match. Bonus points for guessing how many times she'll use the word 'weird.' Her main danger is looking wooden and over-prepared.

Trump's going to come out all guns blazing. He'll use every trick in the book and then some to heckle her and force her to go off script hoping to make her look unsettled and uncertain. His main danger is looking like a boor and a bully.

Main chance for Trump to halt what's looking like unstoppable momentum.

I watched the whole debate live and that's exactly what Harris was doing, 1-2 sentences and then pivot to talking points.

Trump blew it for the Independents and those who were on the sidelines with incoherent rants on "eating dogs" etc

Trump is unable to be disciplined and its his election to lose

 

[Stewie]

I think this is not a good sign for the Cheeto. He usually starts losing it if things don't go his way up front.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Trump was a good candidate in 2016 a disruptor an outsider. But then after winning he veered to the extreme right. He won in 2026 because he was.more a crntrist - focused on economy jobs illegal immigration no wars China tarrifs etc.. But then he went extreme with abortion and then when he lost with the stolen election agenda fraud election statements and the Jan6th riot instigation. Repeated the same mistakes this campaign as well- leave abortion and peoples besrooms out of the gov..

But one thing- Trump is the only president in a long long time to have not started a war inspote of his bombastic talk. He tried to engage even the US adversaries. He knew wars tank economic development.

Trump was a good candidate in 2016 a disruptor an outsider. But then after winning he veered to the extreme right. He won in 2026 because he was.more a crntrist - focused on economy jobs illegal immigration no wars China tarrifs etc.. But then he went extreme with abortion and then when he lost with the stolen election agenda fraud election statements and the Jan6th riot instigation. Repeated the same mistakes this campaign as well- leave abortion and peoples besrooms out of the gov..

But one thing- Trump is the only president in a long long time to have not started a war inspote of his bombastic talk. He tried to engage even the US adversaries. He knew wars tank economic development.

Also not sure how you say Harris if she wins - the win will be rigged. US is not a banana republic. There are checks and balances in place. So even when trump refused to concede.in 2020 there were checks in place and he was removed and multiple lawsuits filed which he is dealing with even today. Really preposterous of you to say US elections can be rigged

The CIA can rig any election if they choose . Bush jnr claimed my millions of Americans lost in Florida . The voters are manipulated as they were last night by the hosts siding with Harris . There is no real democracy in America.

Either way it’s not a huge issue unless trump becomes deranged & they’ll choose Harris . Both are bought off

 

[KingKhanWC]

I disagree slightly. American are sick and tried of foreign interventions and there will be a huge reaction to American boots on the ground in the Middle East no matter who is in power. I also don't think that economically America can afford to sustain long term deployments, those days are over.

I agree but this is assuming they have American interests at heart . As you must be aware both sold out to Zionism . Their next target is taking America to a huge war , other wars they have already achieved. The people will be scared as was done on 911. Americans didn’t want WW1 or 2 but were forced , the same will be true of no 3

 

[LordJames]

I agree but this is assuming they have American interests at heart . As you must be aware both sold out to Zionism . Their next target is taking America to a huge war , other wars they have already achieved. The people will be scared as was done on 911. Americans didn’t want WW1 or 2 but were forced , the same will be true of no 3

Politicians are beholden to AIPAC and money from the Zionist lobby but at the end people support and money matters. Also you can only mislead people so many times before the society has an open civil war.

If Harris wins, which is likely unless Trump can magically discipline himself and stay on point, there will be an uproar in America and there will be a reaction

 

[KingKhanWC]

Politicians are beholden to AIPAC and money from the Zionist lobby but at the end people support and money matters. Also you can only mislead people so many times before the society has an open civil war.

If Harris wins, which is likely unless Trump can magically discipline himself and stay on point, there will be an uproar in America and there will be a reaction

Domestic divisions & conflict is part of the strategy , keeping people suffering , fighting , hating & entertained is all part of control. I would go further & say Israel control America .


No matter who wins the standard of life for most Americans is going to crash . You will see a banking collapse bigger than any in history, the $ will decline heavily . When Americans or westerners become hungry , they won’t care for wars abroad .

 

[LordJames]

Domestic divisions & conflict is part of the strategy , keeping people suffering , fighting , hating & entertained is all part of control. I would go further & say Israel control America .


No matter who wins the standard of life for most Americans is going to crash . You will see a banking collapse bigger than any in history, the $ will decline heavily . When Americans or westerners become hungry , they won’t care for wars abroad .

Israel control politics in America and "think" that they control America which is a land of 333 million people with all its variables

 

[Stewie]

I agree but this is assuming they have American interests at heart . As you must be aware both sold out to Zionism . Their next target is taking America to a huge war , other wars they have already achieved. The people will be scared as was done on 911. Americans didn’t want WW1 or 2 but were forced , the same will be true of no 3

These are talking points from some conspiracy theorist website. There is absolute zero proof of any of these claims, except for the part about Zionism.

 

[KingKhanWC]

These are talking points from some conspiracy theorist website. There is absolute zero proof of any of these claims, except for the part about Zionism.

Historians agree Zionists said to UK if you give Palestine , we will get USA to enter world war 1. Hence the Balfour Declaration.

But there are some who still believe the 911 official storybook too .

 

[deltexas]

The CIA can rig any election if they choose . Bush jnr claimed my millions of Americans lost in Florida . The voters are manipulated as they were last night by the hosts siding with Harris . There is no real democracy in America.

Either way it’s not a huge issue unless trump becomes deranged & they’ll choose Harris . Both are bought off

You watch too many movies I guess for your outlandish statements. Losers always are sore complainers. Bush family are the biggest warmongers. That was one good thing Trump did. He basically removed the Bush family from American politics for good. And your claim of cia rigging any election is so absurb not even worth replying to that.

How were the votes manipulated yesterday?? Even fox news admitted Trump lost the debate and was way off track. The mods corrected Trump because that was such an outrageous claim. Nowhere in the us is legal for a baby to be killed after birth - just imagine the absurdity here. And nobody is eating cats or dogs as he claimed - so outrageous. No rel democracy lol!! Yeah if you are a pak Citizen I'm not sure - then any normal democracy will feel weird bcos you have never had it!

And I voted for trump in 2016 and 2020. But after the jan6th riot and the abortion ban and the extreme QAnon theories- country just needs a reset for atleast 1 term and Harris is not a bad choice. Once trump loses again- there will be a lot of backlash amongat Republicans and they will become more mainstream. I agree with a lot of Republican policies except abortion and warmongering. And thats why trump had won before but he totally lost focus

 

[deltexas]

Israel control politics in America and "think" that they control America which is a land of 333 million people with all its variables

Again conspiracy israeli theories.. The hatred for Jews and Israel clouds your thoughts totally. Yea Jews have influence but total.control that's outlandish

 

[deltexas]

Agreed. As I said in my earlier post, Dems have been building superb ground organizations in Pennsylvania and Georgia for years now. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

In Pennsylvania
2020 - Biden took the last Presidential elections albeit narrowly
2022 - Shapiro crushed Republican opposition in the Governor elections
2022 - Fetterman crushed Oz in the Senate election despite being a prety weak candidate

In Georgia
2020 - Biden of course took the Presidential election
More importantly though, in a series of Senate elections - the two 2020 elections and then the 2022 election, Democrats have managed to mobilise and win. Stacy Abrams has really built an awesome machine there.

In my opinion, It'll take a bit of red wave to beat this infrastructure. I don't see it happening even though as you say, the Republicans are pouring money in.

Agree- fair enough. Trump lost closely in 2020 but then he instigated the riots and the stolen fraud election agenda. That would have turned a lot of even trump supporters off which will show in the 2024 election. Polls are not factoring that. Before trump won Pennsylvania close in 2016- it was a very reliable one of the 3 blue wall states for a long time. I think Republicans underestimate the anger against the abortion ban. No wonder trump tried to pivot the issue. But yeah elections are a funny thing- it's never over till it's over especially in a polarized population.

 

[Red-Indian]

Agree- fair enough. Trump lost closely in 2020 but then he instigated the riots and the stolen fraud election agenda. That would have turned a lot of even trump supporters off which will show in the 2024 election. Polls are not factoring that. Before trump won Pennsylvania close in 2016- it was a very reliable one of the 3 blue wall states for a long time. I think Republicans underestimate the anger against the abortion ban. No wonder trump tried to pivot the issue. But yeah elections are a funny thing- it's never over till it's over especially in a polarized population.

Yeah. US elections have become real fun if overall pretty pointless in a direction of the country sense. While rhetoric and promises are hugely divergent, if I pulled 10 random policy decisions from each of the last two administrations, you'd be hard-pressed to classify them as republican or democratic.

Only real difference has become social stuff - abortions bans, LGBT rights. I'm liberal so I lean democratic there but not stuff I care too much about.

It's the greatest show on earth though. And with all the polling and data and analysis available, pig in the trough stuff for a stats, politics and economics nerd like

 

[BouncerGuy]

Trump-Harris debate sums up policy-light US election

Kamala Harris entered Tuesday’s night’s presidential debate with a clear plan: dominate and destabilise Donald Trump.

It started with her opening power move, when she strode across the compact stage in Philadelphia to demand a handshake. This was her seizing the initiative, and a telling sign that America’s surprise presidential candidate was keen to exert control on an opponent who has a track record of dominating these kind of stages.

In the hours since this blockbuster showdown, political pundits and networks have dedicated much time to praising and analysing Harris’s approach. Her poking and her prodding of Trump. Her mocking, derisory laughter as she ribbed him with personal attacks and then watched as he lost his cool and pushed back angrily.

The scale and tone of this coverage is largely due to the fact her strategy was successful. The few instant polls we saw after the debate indicated a resounding victory for Harris. And while the history of US elections shows this does not always translate to a victory in November, it was surprising to see Harris take on Trump in this aggressive way.

But, however successful this approach was, it is ultimately surface-level stuff. It is body language and facial expressions and sharp ripostes.

Before this event, polls consistently suggested voters wanted to know more about where Harris stood on the key issues. Her campaign so far has been light, even vague, on hard policy. And while Trump is more well-established, voters are surely still keen to know what he would do in real terms if elected again.

So, did the debate tell us much about what either of them would do in office? Not particularly.

Harris did come with prepared soundbites explaining her economic proposals that she has outlined before – a $6,000 child tax credit for infants, a $50,000 tax cut for small businesses and $25,000 to help first time home buyers find a deposit. She argued that Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods would cause higher prices for consumers.

These are all things we have heard several times previously from the campaign.

Harris did not give an answer when quizzed on why the Biden administration, which she has served in for almost four years, has kept in place a number of tariffs introduced by Trump. Nor did she describe how she would try to tackle inflation which consistently polls as a top concern for many voters.

But Trump’s attempt to capitalise on this clear and obvious weakness for Harris (he described his rival’s economic policies as Marxist) got lost as he veered into an answer about illegal migrants, saying “bad immigration” is the worst thing that can happen to the economy.

This exchange was illustrative of the night as a whole. There was no shortage of heat in this ill-tempered debate, but both sides shone very little light on policy.

The Trump campaign is eager to paint Harris as a radical left-winger by reminding voters that she has previously said she would ban fracking, nationalise health insurance and decriminalise illegal border crossings.

Asked directly why so many of her policy positions have changed, Harris said she would discuss every point raised – but in reality explained only why she voted for new fracking leases to reduce dependence on foreign oil. Once again, a flustered Trump failed to capitalise on her policy flip flops being raised directly.

These were easy opportunities to sell himself as consistent on policy in comparison. He could have rammed home his positions on the key issues as well as tout policy achievements from his first term. Instead, viewers saw the former president on the defensive, distracted by barbs from Harris which he could have chosen to ignore.

It was immigration that he returned to again and again. His signature issue which he believes is more salient now than ever. Yet, even on such comfortable ground. he could not describe how he would go about trying to deport millions of illegal migrants. There was more familiar noise but still little in the way of hard proposals.

This debate was the first chance voters had to see the two candidates going head to head. They could compare demeanour, temperament and body language. But crucially they didn’t get much to compare on their plans for government.

One moment on Tuesday night felt particularly indicative of this.

For nine years, Trump has been saying he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) but had to admit that he has not produced a plan for what could replace it. “I have the concepts of a plan” was his response.

And after the 90-minute primetime showdown, voters were likely only left with “the concepts” of what either of these candidates would do if elected to the White House.

BBC

 

[rpant_gabba]

Agree- fair enough. Trump lost closely in 2020 but then he instigated the riots and the stolen fraud election agenda. That would have turned a lot of even trump supporters off which will show in the 2024 election. Polls are not factoring that. Before trump won Pennsylvania close in 2016- it was a very reliable one of the 3 blue wall states for a long time. I think Republicans underestimate the anger against the abortion ban. No wonder trump tried to pivot the issue. But yeah elections are a funny thing- it's never over till it's over especially in a polarized population.

closely? on what planet?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Trump refuses to say whether he wants Ukraine to win war against Russia

Donald Trump sidestepped a direct question at Tuesday evening’s presidential debate on whether he wanted Ukraine to win in its war against Russia, underlining concerns that a second Trump administration could suspend military support for Kyiv.

Asked directly by ABC’s David Muir on whether or not he wants Ukraine to win the war, he did not answer the question and said simply: “I want the war to stop.” He focused on the war’s human toll by saying that people were being killed “by the millions,” a number that hasn’t been confirmed by any country or international organisation.

He went on to say that if elected he would negotiate a deal even before becoming president and suggested the United States was “playing with World War three.”

Kamala Harris quickly pounced on his remarks, saying that if Trump had been president during the invasion, then “Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe”, and that in such a scenario the Russian president would move on to Poland.

“Why don’t you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favour and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch.”

Trump’s remarks will renew concerns in Kyiv that he will cut off military and economic aid toward the country if he is reelected at a crucial moment in the war, when Kyiv is desperate for troops, financial support and for military hardware, much of it supplied by the United States and its Nato allies.

Trump advisers had already suggested that they’re working on a peace deal that Ukraine would be compelled to accept before Trump took power next January if he wins in the November elections. He confirmed that on Tuesday evening, calling Russia’s invasion a “war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president.”

Since the beginning of the invasion, Trump has been skeptical of providing military arms to Ukraine, inspiring his party to block crucial military funding to the country for months earlier this year.

Polling has shown that a majority of voters from both parties support Ukraine in the war, but Trump’s lack of support for Kyiv had influenced many in his party to pull back on their support for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Harris argued that Trump’s peace plan was simply a decision to capitulate to Moscow. “I believe the reason that Donald Trump says this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up,” she said. “And that’s not who we are as Americans.”

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news...-presidential-debate-donald-trump-ukraine-war

 

[deltexas]

Yeah. US elections have become real fun if overall pretty pointless in a direction of the country sense. While rhetoric and promises are hugely divergent, if I pulled 10 random policy decisions from each of the last two administrations, you'd be hard-pressed to classify them as republican or democratic.

Only real difference has become social stuff - abortions bans, LGBT rights. I'm liberal so I lean democratic there but not stuff I care too much about.

It's the greatest show on earth though. And with all the polling and data and analysis available, pig in the trough stuff for a stats, politics and economics nerd like

True. The actual policy agreements signed will be more centric as you still need both a Senate and house majority to pass the bills. And that's not possible without a compromise. The US president actually has more power on foreign policy unilaterally compared to domestic policy

 

[deltexas]

closely? on what planet?

Yes trump lost the popular vote by 10 million. But the electoral college decides the president. And even though trump lost 232-306 in the electoral college it was much closer than it seems. Only about 40,000 votes separated trump and biden for the electoral college victory. Trump beat Hillary in 2016 as well by about 45000 votes in the electoral college swing states even though he lost the popular vote by more than 5 million

In 2020 , he lost Arizona by 10k votes. , Georgia by 10k votes, Wisconsin by 20k votes and nevada by about 30k votes. The 3 states above excl nevada gets him to 269 plus the one Nebraska congresional district could have gotten him to 270. And Pennsylvania was a 75k vote difference out of almaot 8 million votes. Republicans have an inherent advantage in the electoral college system.

 

[rpant_gabba]

Yes trump lost the popular vote by 10 million. But the electoral college decides the president. And even though trump lost 232-306 in the electoral college it was much closer than it seems. Only about 40,000 votes separated trump and biden for the electoral college victory. Trump beat Hillary in 2016 as well by about 45000 votes in the electoral college swing states even though he lost the popular vote by more than 5 million

In 2020 , he lost Arizona by 10k votes. , Georgia by 10k votes, Wisconsin by 20k votes and nevada by about 30k votes. The 3 states above excl nevada gets him to 269 plus the one Nebraska congresional district could have gotten him to 270. And Pennsylvania was a 75k vote difference out of almaot 8 million votes. Republicans have an inherent advantage in the electoral college system.

Sure. that is your definition of close? how old are you and how many US elections have you followed?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1832888733567209640

Wow such racism! And all while JD Vance has an Indian wife. I'm surprised he hasn't called this kind of thing out.

 

[deltexas]

The 2016 one was the closest since 2000 and the 2020 was pretty close like 2016 with unexpected outcomes and results defying the polls. Yeah I know 2004 was close as OH put Bush over the 270 mark but Kerry was just a weak candidate. Any other democratic candidate should have won that election . And yes - the electoral college is more important than popular vote as it decides whos the president . Democrats will win the popular vote in every election just bcos of the demographics. But electoral college decides the presidency. Trump changed electoral map in 2016 - he flipped IA and OH to the red and FL too. And OH is no longer a swing bellwether state. Neither is FL a swing state - its more reddish purple now. The electoral map has changed now with new swing states being AZ GA PA MI WI - thats just the changing landscape. TX will get there if not by 2028 f, for sure by 2032 again purely due to demographics.

 

[deltexas]

Sure. that is your definition of close? how old are you and how many US elections have you followed?

The 2016 one was the closest since 2000 and the 2020 was pretty close like 2016 with unexpected outcomes and results defying the polls. Yeah I know 2004 was close as OH put Bush over the 270 mark but Kerry was just a weak candidate. Any other democratic candidate should have won that election . And yes - the electoral college is more important than popular vote as it decides whos the president . Democrats will win the popular vote in every election just bcos of the demographics. But electoral college decides the presidency. Trump changed electoral map in 2016 - he flipped IA and OH to the red and FL too. And OH is no longer a swing bellwether state. Neither is FL a swing state - its more reddish purple now. The electoral map has changed now with new swing states being AZ GA PA MI WI - thats just the changing landscape. TX will get there if not by 2028 , for sure by 2032 again purely due to demographics.

 

[HalBass9]

Again conspiracy israeli theories.. The hatred for Jews and Israel clouds your thoughts totally. Yea Jews have influence but total.control that's outlandish

There is no hatred toward Jews, nor even toward Israel. The disdain is for genocide and ethnic cleansing. I assumed that was self-evident.

As for the idea of a israeli conspiracy, it's important to recognize that several prominent politicians have openly discussed the control of Israeli interests on American politician.

So let's no belittle anyone intelligence with such comments.

Thanks

 

[rpant_gabba]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1832888733567209640

Wow such racism! And all while JD Vance has an Indian wife. I'm surprised he hasn't called this kind of thing out.

he is too busy talking about immigrants eating pets

 

[HalBass9]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1832888733567209640

Wow such racism! And all while JD Vance has an Indian wife. I'm surprised he hasn't called this kind of thing out.

She is known for her disdain toward Muslims and anyone who isn’t white. Nearly all such groups tend to support Trump.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

She is known for her disdain toward Muslims and anyone who isn’t white. Nearly all such groups tend to support Trump.

I didn't know too much about her, thought she was a twitter loud mouth but seen now that she has run for office and is close to Trump too.

I really hope Kamala wins. The world doesn't need the instability that comes with Trump the ultra Zionist and his band of loonies

 

[deltexas]

he is too busy talking about immigrants eating pets

Bro - I'm guessing you are from Canada and that you are a Harris/Democrat supporter and Anti Trump or Anti Republican !

 

[deltexas]

There is no hatred toward Jews, nor even toward Israel. The disdain is for genocide and ethnic cleansing. I assumed that was self-evident.

As for the idea of a Zionist conspiracy, it's important to recognize that several prominent politicians have openly discussed the control of Israeli interests on American politician.

So let's no belittle anyone intelligence with such comments.

Thanks

The fact is Hamas wants Israel wiped off the map from the river to the sea and thats a view held by a vast majority of Palestinians. And there is a pro-Israeli lobby that fundraises for both parties. Hamas is financed by Qatar and Iran and others. And Israel has been the most loyal ally for the US in the ME. But I am of the opinion that the US should not be providing any US tax payer funds for foreign wars to foreign countries. Am against the US funding in Ukraine as well. The US leadership should have resolved it with Putin before the war even started. It's funny how any war ends so quickly once the funding stops.

 

[deltexas]

I didn't know too much about her, thought she was a twitter loud mouth but seen now that she has run for office and is close to Trump too.

I really hope Kamala wins. The world doesn't need the instability that comes with Trump the ultra Zionist and his band of loonies

If you think Trump is a Zionist , sorry to burst your bubble but Harris/Democrats have the same Israel policy as well. Infact Biden has been the biggest Israeli supporter more than even Republicans. So no matter which party wins - they will be backing Israel unequivocally.

 

[rpant_gabba]

Bro - I'm guessing you are from Canada and that you are a Harris/Democrat supporter and Anti Trump or Anti Republican !

You guessed wrong.

Answer the question that was asked

 

[deltexas]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1832888733567209640

Wow such racism! And all while JD Vance has an Indian wife. I'm surprised he hasn't called this kind of thing out.

Some crazy right wing loony tune. She's so crazy that Marjorie Taylor criticized her for being racist ! Nobody cares for these loony tunes - they are just trying to get publicity and SM fame . And by the way shes a self proclaimed Islamophobe

Marjorie Taylor Greene slams Laura Loomer for ‘extremely racist’ post about Harris

Georgia congresswoman said tweet from far-right agitator do not ‘represent President Trump,’ day after Loomer flew with Trump to debate

www.independent.co.uk

 

[rpant_gabba]

The 2016 one was the closest since 2000 and the 2020 was pretty close like 2016 with unexpected outcomes and results defying the polls. Yeah I know 2004 was close as OH put Bush over the 270 mark but Kerry was just a weak candidate. Any other democratic candidate should have won that election . And yes - the electoral college is more important than popular vote as it decides whos the president . Democrats will win the popular vote in every election just bcos of the demographics. But electoral college decides the presidency. Trump changed electoral map in 2016 - he flipped IA and OH to the red and FL too. And OH is no longer a swing bellwether state. Neither is FL a swing state - its more reddish purple now. The electoral map has changed now with new swing states being AZ GA PA MI WI - thats just the changing landscape. TX will get there if not by 2028 , for sure by 2032 again purely due to demographics.

so you have a lot of handwaving.

If you think it was trump who made all those things happen in 2016, then there is no point with continuing this conversation. Utter waste of my time.

 

[Tera Gawaandi]

It was 3 vs 1, Trump did great. He started good and finished on a high, in the middle Komrade Kamaala managed to bait him.

They only fact checked Trump.

My ears bleed hearing cackling Kamaala.

 

[rpant_gabba]

Bro - I'm guessing you are from Canada and that you are a Harris/Democrat supporter and Anti Trump or Anti Republican !

You guessed wrong about the Canada part.

the other one, you are spot on.

 

[deltexas]

You guessed wrong.

Answer the question that was asked

No worries, that was a guess ! I have followed elections for a long time since 1992 if that helps ! And I am not boastful , but am just very interested in American political elections and its a passion/hobby of mine as I took a political journalism major in college

 

[deltexas]

so you have a lot of handwaving.

If you think it was trump who made all those things happen in 2016, then there is no point with continuing this conversation. Utter waste of my time.

Am open to opinions or thoughts. What are your thoughts on why 2016 happened the way it did ?

 

[KingKhanWC]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1832888733567209640

Wow such racism! And all while JD Vance has an Indian wife. I'm surprised he hasn't called this kind of thing out.

If I had her number, I’d call pretending to be from an Indian call centre asking for donations for Harris.

 

[rpant_gabba]

No worries, that was a guess ! I have followed elections for a long time since 1992 if that helps ! And I am not boastful , but am just very interested in American political elections and its a passion/hobby of mine as I took a political journalism major in college

Then you ought to realize by now that American public kicks rebublicans to the curb when **** hits the fan. They literally get discorded like used condoms when things are bad.

If Iraq war news was not censored heavily in 2004, W would have been a one termer like very every republican since 1988

 

[deltexas]

so you have a lot of handwaving.

If you think it was trump who made all those things happen in 2016, then there is no point with continuing this conversation. Utter waste of my time.

Also full disclosure . I voted Trump in 2016 and 2020 but after the Jan6th riot and his stolen election fraud election claims, QAnnon crazy theories etc and his thuggish dictatorial behavior - there is no way he should be even contesting and is a total misfit for the post and any elected post honestly. The US needs a reset and its best he's handed a resounding defeat by Harris so he's out of US politics forever. He won 2016 because he focused on economy and not on abortion or these crazy stories. he totally lost track and now is a danger for US politics. I support a lot of Republican policies except their abortion nonsense and warmongering appetite.