Harris accused Trump of leaving the economy in a poor state when he left office, blaming him for mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic and for his supporters’ involvement in the January 6th Capitol riots.

Trump tried to link Harris to Joe Biden, questioning why she hadn’t enacted her ideas while serving as vice president. He also accused her of moving away from her former liberal positions.

Harris focused on Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade by appointing three conservative justices to the Supreme Court. She accused him of causing abortion bans in more than 20 states.

Trump denied Harris’s claim that he would sign a national abortion ban if re-elected. He argued that the issue should be left to individual states to decide.

Harris defended her shift from liberal positions on issues like fracking, Medicare expansion, and gun control, arguing that her values remained consistent, but her approach had become more pragmatic.

Harris attacked Trump’s economic proposals, especially his plans for tariffs, which she labelled as a "sales tax" on American goods. Trump countered by denying that his policies would involve such a tax.

The debate included personal attacks, with Trump calling Harris a "Marxist." Harris reacted with amusement, challenging Trump’s portrayal of her as an out-of-touch liberal.

The debate also marked the first time Trump and Harris had met in person, with Harris initiating the interaction by introducing herself and shaking Trump’s hand.

Trump, 78, has had difficulty adapting to Harris, 59, who is the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. His approach has sometimes involved invoking racial and gender stereotypes.