Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, walking away from his podium at the end of an ABC News presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump ultimately secured slightly more speaking time onstage than Harris, buoyed by several back-and-forth exchanges with moderators over past remarks about Harris’s race, unfounded stolen election claims, and unsubstantiated rumors that immigrants in Ohio are stealing and eating residents’ pets.
At other times, Harris seemed to get under Trump’s skin when speaking about his crowd sizes and stance on abortion.
“She talks to us like toddlers but is doing a good job provoking him,” a House Republican, who declined to be named, told the Washington Examiner. “He’s right on policy but can’t keep to a message.”
Another unnamed House Republican acknowledged Trump “could have won the election tonight, but he didn’t close the deal.”
Following the debate, Trump made a surprise appearance in the “spin room,” an area nearby where reporters assemble to speak with elected officials, aides, and commentators but typically not the presidential candidates themselves.
“I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The Harris campaign swiftly called for a second debate, which has not been set, to take place next month.
“Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate,” campaign chairwoman Jen O’Malley Dillion said in a statement. “Is Donald Trump?”