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Many Americans were looking to the most recent presidential debate, hosted by ABC, to answer their questions about the upcoming election. However, some issues and questions are still left untouched; here are some of my takeaways from the debate, and context for the viral moments you’ve likely seen on your feed.
Abortion
Overwhelmingly, the topic of abortion appeared to be a keynote topic for both candidates.
Harris claimed that Trump appointed justices to the Supreme Court with the intent to overturn the influential Roe v. Wade. While this is not confirmed by Trump, he did take credit for the presence of the issue in state governments.
“We’ve gotten what everybody wanted,” he said. “The states are voting.”
After being overturned by the Supreme Court, abortion rights no longer exist as a federally guaranteed civil liberty. The newfound statehood of the issue has allowed the people, as they are represented by state legislatures, to decide on the matter instead.
Trump made a claim regarding radical stances on abortion; he said that, in some states, there are protections for abortions in the ninth month or post-birth. Moderator Linsey Davis quickly fact-checked this when she reiterated that it is not legal in any state to kill a baby after its birth.
During the first half of the debate, Harris hammered in her promise to sign congressional protections for reproductive freedom–including the right to abortion and IVF treatment–while Trump refrained from confirming an intent to veto a national abortion ban if he were to gain presidency.
Trump appears to agree with exceptions for abortion–in situations of rape, incest and when life of the carrying parent is in danger–but still defends the overturning of Roe and supports a state’s right to introduce policy.
Immigration and Haitian Immigrants
Although abortion appears to be a big issue, immigration was also a center of discussion.
Trump brought up claims about Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio and how they are “eating the pets.”
These claims are baseless and have now been denounced by White House as they can be a proponent for violence against immigrants. The Haitian community in Ohio is not abducting and consuming pets.
There was an incident in Ohio where a resident was accused of consuming a cat, she was later charged with animal cruelty. However, the woman is not a Haitian immigrant and is from Canton, Ohio. Due to the false claims, Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are being used as a scapegoat to fuel Trump’s stance on immigration policy.
“Transgender Operations”
The polarized social issue of medical transition and gender-affirming care was brought up once by the former president in a now viral statement: “Now she [Harris] wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison.”
The usage here appears in an exaggerated tone, and it’s missing context.
“It is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need,” she said.
The context Trump lacked in his attempt to criticize gender-diverse healthcare may be a powerful piece of information for a percentage of voters.
Close
In closing statements, Harris redefined her policy promises: an opportunity economy which would provide tax cuts for small businesses, bring the cost of living down and create lethal fighting force. She added that she has one client: the people.
Trump took a different approach to his closing statement, opting to highlight that Harris has not yet made any actions to enforce her promises despite being the vice president. Although he did not state his plan, he assured that he had “concepts” for one.
The debate stimulated my brain and reminded me how important this year’s election is. While I cannot tell you how to vote or think, I can provide as much information and perspective so you can figure out your own thoughts.