As I watched the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump unfold, it became increasingly clear that this was more than just a political event it was a vivid illustration of two clashing worldviews. Trump, as expected, leaned into his familiar tactics of deflection and blame, particularly when it came to issues like race and immigration. Meanwhile, Harris remained calm, composed, and bold, often taking Trump to task with pointed facts and a confident demeanor. This was not just a battle of policies but a reflection of their values and what they believed the future of America should look like.

1. Trump’s Deflection on Race and Immigration
   During the debate, Trump repeatedly failed to give direct answers on key issues, especially regarding race. Instead of offering concrete solutions, he resorted to veiled racial jabs, like his baseless claim about immigrants eating pets in Pennsylvania, which was later debunked. On the other hand, Kamala Harris responded with precision and poise, directly answering questions while highlighting the need for reforms that reflect compassion rather than fear-mongering.
2. Kamala’s Composure vs. Trump’s Evasiveness
   Kamala Harris maintained an unwavering sense of composure throughout the debate. She made direct eye contact with Trump, and her demeanor often conveyed a mix of amusement and disbelief when Trump resorted to outlandish claims. One particularly memorable moment was when Trump, in his typical fashion, made a bizarre remark about immigrants, to which Harris responded with a look that said more than words could like an aunt watching a student make a fool of himself. Her boldness in these moments solidified her position as a confident leader.
3. Trump’s Lack of Ammunition Against Harris
   Unlike in his debates with Biden or Hillary Clinton, Trump seemed unable to effectively attack Harris. Whether it was due to her preparedness or his lack of tangible criticism, Trump struggled to land any meaningful blows. Harris capitalized on this, pointing out his admiration for dictators like Putin and Kim Jong-un, a point that visibly caught Trump off guard. Her challenge to his foreign policy demonstrated her readiness to engage in serious debates, while Trump seemed to retreat to familiar, hollow defenses.
4. Harris Highlights Trump’s History on Race
   A significant moment came when Harris reminded viewers of Trump’s troubling history on race. From his refusal to apologize for the Central Park Five to his documented reluctance to rent to Black people, Harris made it clear that Trump’s stance on race is not just rhetoric but embedded in his history. She exposed his pattern of racial discrimination and challenged him to acknowledge his past mistakes, a challenge Trump sidestepped as usual.
5. The Abortion Debate and the Role of Government
   The discussion around abortion was another defining moment. Harris directly blamed Trump for appointing the justices responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade, leading to the loss of reproductive rights for millions of women. Trump, deflecting responsibility, claimed it was a matter for individual states. However, Harris called this out as a weak defense, stating that the rights of women should not be subject to state decisions.

As a woman and someone against the banning of abortion, I believe that while abortion is a sin according to my Christian faith, it is not the government’s role to tell a woman what to do with her body. There are circumstances such as rape and incest where abortion is necessary. Rather than banning it, it should be controlled in a way that respects both individual rights and societal values.