Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris: A Look Back at Their Debate Performances

The First Presidential Debate

The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was held on September 29, 2020. The debate was widely seen as a victory for Harris, who was praised for her composure, preparation, and ability to hold her own against Trump's attacks. Trump, on the other hand, was criticized for his interruptions, his lack of focus, and his overall demeanor.

One of the most memorable moments of the debate came when Harris confronted Trump about his comments on race. Trump had previously said that there were "very fine people on both sides" of the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, and Harris challenged him on this statement. Trump refused to apologize for his comments, and the exchange became a major talking point in the aftermath of the debate.

The Vice Presidential Debate

The vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris was held on October 7, 2020. The debate was more civil than the presidential debate, but it was still filled with plenty of substance. Pence and Harris clashed on a variety of issues, including the economy, healthcare, and climate change.

One of the most memorable moments of the debate came when Harris pressed Pence on the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pence defended the administration's record, but Harris accused him of downplaying the severity of the virus. The exchange highlighted the different approaches that the two candidates have taken to the pandemic.

The Second Presidential Debate

The second presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was held on October 15, 2020. The debate was even more chaotic than the first debate, with Trump interrupting Harris constantly and making a number of false and misleading statements. Harris, for her part, remained calm and composed, and she was able to effectively fact-check Trump's claims.

One of the most memorable moments of the debate came when Trump refused to condemn white supremacy. Harris challenged him on this issue, and Trump responded by saying that he was "least racist person in the room." The exchange was widely condemned by Democrats and Republicans alike.

The Impact of the Debates

The presidential and vice presidential debates had a significant impact on the 2020 election. The debates gave voters a chance to see the candidates side-by-side and to assess their strengths and weaknesses. The debates also helped to shape the narrative of the campaign, and they were a major factor in the outcome of the election.

In the end, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were victorious in the 2020 election. The debates played a role in their victory, and they helped to define the Biden-Harris presidency.