US Presidential Debate 2024 HIGHLIGHTS: Trump and Harris conclude fierce face-off mired in personal remarks

Pop superstar Taylor Swift endorsed Harris in an Instagram post shortly after the debate ended. “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them," she said.

Harris campaign spokesperson says there should be another debate in October, Reuters reported.

The presidential debate between Harris and Trump has officially concluded!

Trump concluded his speech by calling Biden 'the worst American President" and Harris "the worst Vice President" in history.

Donald Trump attacked Kamala Harris, saying why she had not done the things she had promised to do. "Why didn't she do it? We are a failing nation. We are a nation that is in serious decline. We are being laughed out at over the world. We are not a leader. We have wars going on in the Middle East, we have wars going on in Russia and Ukraine. We are going to end up in World War III," he said

Kamala Harris said she intended a create a new economy for small businesses, and families and bring down the cost of living. She also talked about being a president to protect fundamental rights, including for women to not let the government decide what to do with their bodies. "I intend to be a President for all Americans," she said.

Kamala Harris put  Donald Trump on the defensive at a combative presidential debate with a stream of attacks on abortion limits, his fitness for office and his myriad legal woes. Both candidates sought a campaign-altering moment in their closely fought election.

The presidential debate has resumed after a commercial bank, with closing statements from both candidates.

Kamala Harris said access to healthcare should be a right and not just a privilege for those who can afford it. She also told Trump to "stop with the lying" and denied that she would take away guns, being a gun owner herself.

Police officers arrested some protesters who marched in the streets of Philadelphia during the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Trump called the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, as a "lousy" act and said he will abolish it when he comes up with something better. He said Obamacare is too expensive for US citizens, and that he had concepts of plans to come up with something better.

Economy

"I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people, and that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy," said Harris.

"Look, we've had a terrible economy, because inflation, which is really known as a country buster," said Trump.

Israel-Hamas War

"It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out," said Harris.

"She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," said Trump to which Harris responded: "That's absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people."

Abortion

"I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law," said Harris.

"Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. ... Now states are voting on it. ... Each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people. Now it's not tied up in the federal government," said Trump.

Immigration

"I'll tell you something, he's going to talk about immigration a lot tonight, even when it's not the subject that is being raised," said Harris.

"Our country is being lost, we're a failing nation," Trump said, referring to people crossing into the country illegally.

Project 2025

"What you're going to hear tonight is a detailed and dangerous plan called Project 2025 that the former president intends on implementing if he were elected again," said Harris.

Trump accused Harris of spreading lies and called Biden's presidency as one of the most divisive in the history of the United States. He pledged to build a better and stronger America and accused Biden and Harris of destroying the economy. "She hates Biden,' he retorted.

Trump avoided questions on Kamala Harris' racial identity, saying he did not care 'what she is'. Harris said it was a tragedy that the US had a president who constantly tried to divide the nation on the basis of race.

Trump criticised Biden as an absent president and said he was "kicked out like a dog", and Harris hits back by saying, "You're not running against Joe Biden, you're running against me." Trump said the Biden administration was 'weak and stupid' on the Ukraine-Russia war and Harris called him a "disgrace".

Donald Trump said the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the most embarrassing moments in American history. He called it the worst withdrawal and that is why Russia attacked Ukraine. Responding to Harris' accusations on negotiating with the Taliban, he said no body was killed for 18 months after his intervention.

Kamala Harris said she supported Biden's policy in Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal in 2021. She said America's taxpayers were not paying $300 million for the 'endless war'. She also accused Trump of bypassing the Afghan government and negotiating directly with the Taliban.

"As of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, the first time this century. But let's understand how we got to where we are. Donald Trump, when he was president, negotiated one of the weakest deals you can imagine (with the Taliban)," she added.

Kamala Harris said Trump would just give Ukraine up if he came to power and said under his presidency, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now. She also said US and NATO allies are glad he is not in the White House right now.

Donald Trump said he wanted to stop the Russia-Ukraine War and said he shared good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said Biden had no idea how to talk to them and is going to lead them to World War III.

After a short break, Trump and Harris resume their debate.

The fiery debate between Harris and Trump has paused for a short break.

Harris accused Trump of diving the nation from reality and said he is "weak on national security and foreign policy" and wants to be a dictator. She said dictators can manipulate him with flattery and favours. "I'm going to tell you that I have travelled the world as vice president, United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump," she said.

Donald Trump accused Kamala Harris of "hating Israel and the Arab population. He said Israel "would not exist within two years from now" if she was to be given power and the entire region "is going to get blown up". He also said Iran was broke under his presidency, now they are a rich nation.

Donald Trump said Russia would never had invaded Ukraine if he was the US President, saying 'he knew (Russian President Vladimir) Putin very well'. 

Harris highlighted the October 7 attack led by Hamas on Israel, reiterating that Israel had a right to defend itself. However, she said how it does matters as far too many people have been killed. Harris urged an immediate ceasefire. She pledged to defend Israel from Iran but stressed a two-state solution for Palestine.

In the leadup to the debate, Harris’ and Trump’s camps battled over whether the candidates’ mics should be muted when they weren’t speaking. However, both Trump and Harris could be heard speaking over each other at least a few times in the first half of the debate.

At one point, Trump told Harris, "Wait a minute, I'm talking now, if you don't mind, please, does that sound familiar?" in reference to Harris' 2020 debate against Mike Pence.

Harris warned of a "bloodbath" if the election did not turn out the way Trump wanted. "So for everyone who remembers what January 6 was, I say, we don't have to go back. Let's not go back. We're not going back. It's time to turn the page," she added.

Trump said he received the most votes ever gotten by a US President in 2020 and refused to admit his election loss 'by a whisker' against Biden. "Our elections are bad... That's why they are asking (immigrants) to vote," he said. 

Trump criticised the Biden administration's record on crime. Harris responded by citing Trump's legal problems. Trump responded that he was politically persecuted and called the charges against him "fake cases."

Harris said, "I was at the Capitol. I was the vice president-elect. I was also a senator and on that day, the President of the United States incited a violent mob to attack our nation's capital, to desecrate our nation's capital." She also referred to his remarks of a "bloodbath" after losing the 2020 elections against Biden and inciting the mob.

Trump said he had nothing to do with the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, and said it was done by 'others'. He said Nancy Pelosi was responsible for the security. He said he advocated for peaceful and patriotic protest and shifted the discussion on immigration, calling Harris a 'border czar'.

Donald Trump upped the ante against Harris in the presidential debate, calling her a "radical Left Liberal'. He claimed she would take away guns if she came to power and would allow 'illegal aliens'.

Harris was questioned about her changing positions on issues like fracking, healthcare and immigration. She said her values had not changed and highlighted her middle-class upbringing.

Kamala Harris claimed Trump would weaponise the US Justice Department if he came to power against his political opponents, especially since the Supreme Court said he would have some immunity. Trump retorted by saying that it is the Biden administration which has weaponised the department.

Trump repeated his attacks on Harris over immigration, claiming she has allowed "terrorists, drug dealers and criminals" into the country and destroying the "fabric" of the country. He also called the situation "Venezuela on Steroids".

Donald Trump made a bizarre comment that millions of immigrants are "eating pets" in Springfield, Ohio, prompting Kamala Harris to respond with laughter and say, "Talk about extreme." The moderator refuted Trump's claims that pets have not been harmed in Ohio.

Kamala Harris said the Biden administration came up with a border security bill, which she supported, which would have stemmed the flow of drugs like fentanyl and would have enforced punishments on transnational criminal organisations. She accused Trump of "killing the bill".

Donald Trump responded to Kamala Harris' accusations as an "absolute lie" and said he would not sign a national abortion ban. He also said he did not talk about this with his running mate JD Vance. He said the issue should be left upto the states.

Kamala Harris said the government and Donald Trump should not be telling women what to do with their bodies. She also raised the dangers of women denied healthcare access during miscarriages and claimed Trump would sign a national abortion ban if he came to power.

His microphone was off, but Trump was still audible when he objected to Harris as she accused the former president for only being out for himself. “Donald Trump actually has no plan for you because he is more interested in defending himself than he is in looking out for you,” she said. Trump interjected, claiming many economists believe his plan “is a brilliant plan.”

Trump accused the Biden administration of trying to bringing back the Roe vs Wade - the now-scrapped constitutional right to abortion. He attacked Harris' VP pick Tim Walz, claiming that he said abortion in the 9th month is "fine" as Harris grimaces on.

In another oft-repeated personal attack, Trump called Harris a "Marxist" and accused her and Biden again of destroying the American economy. "She's a Marxist, everybody knows she's a Marxist," he said. 

Harris said Trump sold America out by allowing computer chips to be sold to China and thanking Xi Jinping.

Slamming the Biden administration again for "destroying the economy ", Trump said China has been ripping off the US and recalled that he raised tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Donald Trump said Kamala Harris has no plan for the economy of her own but has blatantly copied President Joe Biden's plan. 

Harris said Trump is more interested in defending himself and noted that 16 Nobel laureates have criticised his economic plan. 

Trump denied having to do anything with Project 2025 and pledged to cut taxes and build a good economy. " We did a phenomenal job with the COVID-19 pandemic... Nobody saw anything like it," he said. He also took credit for creating several jobs.

Kamala Harris said Trump left the Biden administration the worst economy since the Great Depression, the worst public health service and the worst attack on democracy. 

Trump slammed Harris for probably 'the worst inflation in the country's history'. He also highlighted the immigration crisis that has led to a shortage of jobs and 'taking over the town'. "These are people that she and Biden led into our country, and they are destroying our country," he said.

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris talked about extending tax cuts for middle-class families. She said she was the only person who had a plan for America's economy. She said Trump only planned a tax cut for big businesses.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have arrived on stage and shook hands before the debate.

The much-anticipated debate in Philadelphia has begun.

We are just less than 10 seconds away from the debate.

Ahead of the Trump vs Harris debate, the National Constitution Center is looking its best, according to organisers. The arena is bathed in blue light. The candidates will face a giant screen with the countdown clock set at 2:00. The set is decorated with images of the constitutional text with a “We the People” above the lecterns.

The highly anticipated debate between Trump and Harris will begin in five minutes.

Robert F Kennedy, who contested as an independent candidate, has since ended his presidential bid and backed Donald Trump. "No matter which state you're in, vote for Donald Trump," Kennedy urged in a video posted on X ahead of the debate.

Former President Donald Trump will be joined by family members and key campaign advisers at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a source told CNN. Eric Trump, his wife Lara Trump, and several top advisers, including co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, will accompany him at the venue.

Kamala Harris will be joined by her husband, Doug Emhoff, sister Maya Harris and her husband, Tony West, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia tonight.

US President Joe Biden said he had a chance to chat with Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of Tuesday night’s debate. He seems to think she’s ready for her one-on-one with Donald Trump. “She seemed calm, cool and collected,” Biden said in an exchange with reporters.

Americans are slightly more likely to expect Harris to “win” the debate over Trump, according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll (43% believe she will win, 37% expect he will win). About 2 in 10 either anticipate a tie or say neither will win.

Demonstrators are protesting the Israel-Hamas war in Philadelphia where the presidential debate is scheduled Tuesday evening. Scores of people lined the streets shouting: “Justice is our demand,” carrying banners and flags and holding signs that read: arms embargo now.

The US Presidential Debate is likely to focus mainly on the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, as Harris' campaign has been in murky waters over her continued support to Israel against Hamas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has heavily relied on Western arms supplies, is also expected to tune in.

Trump has struggled to find a coherent and effective line of attack on Harris since she entered the race. He has accused her of being a radical leftist while also suggesting she bears responsibility for Biden’s more centrist policy agenda. He has roped in Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic lawmaker who has debated Harris in their 2020 presidential bid and is likely to try and pin issues that helped sink Biden’s popularity with voters on Harris, particularly on issues like inflation and border security.

Harris will be entering the debate with momentum. After she closed out the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22, her campaign announced she had raised more than $500 million since entering the race. She has surged in polls. Polling aggregator website FiveThirtyEight showed Harris up by 3.5 percentage points in national polls but much tighter races in some battleground states. She is likely to attack Trump on the abortion issue as she asserts her middle-class upbringing. Her candidacy, if successful, would no doubt mark a new chapter in US history.

The candidates' microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak. The Harris campaign agreed to this rule on Wednesday after weeks of back-and-forth with the Trump campaign, with Harris' team initially hoping for so-called "hot mics" throughout the debate and Trump's team pushing for muted mics.

ABC News is carrying the debate live on its broadcast network as well as its streaming platform ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. Several networks have also agreed to carry the event live.

The debate will start at 9 pm EDT on Tuesday (6:30 am Indian time) and is expected to last 90 minutes. It’s being moderated by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and are making their final preparations for their highly-anticipated debate.