Trump-Harris debate updates: Candidates go on attack in zinger-filled showdown

Harris and Trump sparred in the high-stakes showdown.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, Emily Chang, and Brittany Gaddy
Last Updated: September 11, 2024, 12:52 AM EDT

The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump turned into a heated matchup that lasted more than 90 minutes.

The night started with a handshake initiated by Harris, but quickly escalated as the vice president bashed Trump over his policies and comments, contending that it was time to "offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

Trump criticized Harris throughout the debate on topics such as Afghanistan and immigration issues, drawing comparisons between the vice president and President Joe Biden.

With Election Day just eight weeks away, the debate came at a critical point as polls show a neck-and-neck race between the candidates.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Sep 11, 12:12 am

A transcript of the Harris-Trump debate

Harris and Trump met for their first presidential debate on Tuesday night. The consequential matchup was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Read a transcript of what was said in the 90-minute debate here.

Sep 10, 2024, 8:20 PM EDT

The debate rules: muted microphones and more

Harris selected the right podium position on stage. The two candidates will remain standing for the 90-minute debate.

There will be no opening statements, though each candidate will get two minutes at the end to give their closing arguments to the American people. Trump will offer the last closing statement after winning the coin toss.

The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
2:00

ABC News releases rules for Sept. 10 debate between Harris and Trump

The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Reuters

The candidates can't bring notes on stage. Candidates will only be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water. They cannot interact with their campaign staff during commercial breaks.

Their microphones will only be live when it is their turn to speak and muted otherwise. Harris and Trump will get two minutes to respond to questions by the moderators and two minutes for rebuttals. They cannot ask each other questions.

Sep 10, 2024, 8:13 PM EDT

Latest look at the debate stage

Here's the latest look at the debate stage, as Harris and Trump face off in less than an hour.

The candidates will be standing 6 feet apart. There will be no live audience.

‘Kamala Harris and Donald Trump – ABC News Presidential Debate’ moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.
Michael Le Brecht II/ABC NEWS

Sep 10, 2024, 8:09 PM EDT

Gavin Newsom tears into Trump, calls him 'boring'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a top Trump antagonist, tore into the former president as unable to resist personal attacks and "boring" on the trail.

"He doesn't know any other way. He's incapable of not doing that," Newsom said when asked if Trump would attack Harris' personality. "This is a guy who's just weakness masquerading as strength."

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) speaks to reporters in the spin room following the Presidential Debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, FILE

Newsom said he expects Harris to "rise above" the attacks but to also "counterpunch."

"She's new, she's the next generation. He's old, he's stale, he's derivative, he's, dare I say it, boring," Newsom added.

-ABC News' Tal Axelrod

Sep 10, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT

Vivek Ramaswamy says success for Trump is a focus on policy

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and vocal Trump supporter, said the former president would win a debate centered around policy.

"I think a win looks like a policy-focused debate," he said.

"If we have a policy-focused debate, Donald Trump hits it out of the park."

-ABC News' Tal Axelrod