The Clash of Titans: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump in Their First Debate
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump went head-to-head for the first time on Sept. 10 in a fiery debate in Philadelphia. The stage was set at the National Constitution Center, and the stakes were high as this might be their only debate before the 2024 presidential election in November.
Issues such as foreign policy, crime, immigration, and abortion were fiercely debated between the two candidates. To separate fact from fiction, VERIFY fact-checked some of the claims made by Harris and Trump during the debate.
The Claim: Harris on Trump’s “Sales Tax”
Harris claimed, “My opponent has a plan that I call the Trump sales tax, which would be a 20% tax on everyday goods. Economists say this would cost middle-class families about $4,000 more a year.”
The Sources:
The Answer:
Harris was referring to Trump’s proposal to impose a 20% tariff on all imports, which she likened to a “national sales tax.” While tariffs are paid by businesses at the border, the costs are often passed on to consumers, leading to an increase in prices for goods. The estimate of a $4,000 burden on middle-class families is supported by some economists, including the Center for American Progress (CAP) Action Fund.
CAP projects that Trump’s proposed tariffs could result in a $3,900 tax increase for middle-income families, highlighting the potential impact on American households.
Experts agree that while Trump’s tariffs may have economic consequences, the full burden is likely to be felt by everyday consumers.
The Claim: Trump on Alleged Pet Eating in Springfield
Trump claimed, “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.”
The Answer:
City officials in Springfield, Ohio, have refuted claims of immigrants harming or eating wildlife or pets. The Springfield Police Division reported no instances of pets being stolen and eaten as alleged on social media. Leann Castillo from the Clark County Park District also confirmed no evidence of such incidents in the parks.
The allegations of pet eating in Springfield have been debunked by local authorities, highlighting the importance of fact-checking before spreading misinformation.
The Claim: Harris on Fracking and Environmental Policies
Harris stated, “I made it clear in 2020. I will not ban fracking. I have not banned fracking as vice president.”
The Answer:
While Harris currently opposes banning fracking, she previously expressed support for a ban during her 2019 presidential campaign. However, her stance shifted to align with President Biden’s position against banning fracking when she joined his ticket in 2020. Harris reiterated her commitment to not banning fracking during the presidential debate in 2020 and as vice president.
The evolution of Harris’s position on fracking underscores the complexities of environmental policies and the need for consistency in political messaging.
The Claim: Trump on Inflation and Tariffs
Trump claimed, “I had tariffs, and yet I had no inflation.”
The Answer:
Inflation did occur during Trump’s presidency, as indicated by an increase in the Consumer Price Index over four years. Prices rose by 7.7% during his term, averaging 1.9% annual inflation. While Trump’s tariffs may have had economic implications, they did not prevent inflation from affecting the economy.
Understanding the relationship between tariffs, inflation, and economic growth is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of trade policies.
The Claim: Trump on Votes and Election Results
Trump claimed, “I got more votes [in 2020] than any sitting president in history, by far.”
The Answer:
While Trump did receive a record number of votes for a sitting president, Biden ultimately won the 2020 election with more total votes. The unprecedented voter turnout in 2020 saw both candidates surpass historical voting numbers, reflecting the engagement of the American electorate.
Examining voter turnout and candidate support provides insights into the shifting dynamics of the political landscape and the power of democracy in shaping election outcomes.
The Claim: Trump’s Connection to Project 2025
Trump stated, “I have nothing to do with Project 2025.”
The Answer:
Despite Trump’s denials, several former members of his administration and campaign have been associated with Project 2025, indicating a level of support for the initiative. Key figures like Paul Dans and Karoline Leavitt have connections to both Trump’s team and Project 2025, raising questions about the extent of their involvement.
The complex web of relationships between political organizations and candidates underscores the intricacies of modern campaign strategies and the blurred lines between advocacy and affiliation.
The Claim: Harris on Abortion and Pregnancy
Harris asserted, “Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. It’s insulting to the women of America.”
The Answer:
Fact-checking confirms that late-term or “post-birth” abortions do not exist in the U.S. and are considered illegal acts like infanticide. Expert opinions and data from reputable sources support the assertion that such procedures are neither practiced nor sanctioned within the country.
Clarifying misconceptions about abortion policies and procedures is essential in promoting informed discussions and respecting the reproductive rights of individuals.
