PHILADELPHIA — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for the first time in person Tuesday in Pennsylvania for their first — and possibly last — debate of the 2024 presidential race.
In an early surprise, Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump shook hands, though the exchange bristled with displeasure.
Ms. Harris took the initiative to cross over to Mr. Trump’s podium and extend her hand, introducing herself as Kamala Harris.
The 90-minute showdown, hosted by ABC News, put a magnifying glass on Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump on the country’s biggest political stage. It gave them a chance to win over millions of viewers — namely, the small pocket of persuadable voters — in a neck-and-neck race and deliver memorable moments that will help define the campaign’s final eight-week sprint to Election Day.
The highly anticipated faceoff gave voters, some of whom will start early voting this month, their first major look at Ms. Harris.
She replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket after his disastrous debate performance in Atlanta. The switch energized the Democratic Party, but there are signs that the honeymoon is ending, and the debate gives her a chance to reignite that excitement.
SEE ALSO: Trump talks migrants eating pets, Harris ducks immigration question
Ms. Harris wants to prove to voters that she can lead on tough issues, give them a glimpse into how she would govern, and navigate unscripted moments.
Ms. Harris is also trying to balance celebrating the success of the Biden administration while also distancing herself from Mr. Biden, who fell out of favor with voters and lost their trust on key issues.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trump wants to tie Ms. Harris to Mr. Biden and the least popular aspects of his administration.
Mr. Trump has spent months warning the nation under the Biden-Harris administration has been in decline, blaming the Democrats for the sticker shock at the grocery store, the chaos at the U.S.-Mexico border and international unrest.
Mr. Trump is a more well-known entity and is trying to expand his support beyond his unwavering MAGA followers.
He is more trusted than Ms. Harris on various issues — including the economy, taxes, and immigration — but his unconventional approach and legal struggles have made it harder for him to win over some voters.
SEE ALSO: Harris tries to walk back fracking ban position, endorses oil production
• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.