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

Harris and Trump sparred in the high-stakes showdown.

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, 9:55 PM EDT

Trump dodges question about Jan. 6, claims he had nothing to do with it

When asked if he regretted his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump contended that he ordered the crowd to leave "peacefully and patriotically," and defended the protesters.

"This group of people treated so badly," he said.

When asked again if he regretted his actions, Trump answered, "I had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech. I showed up for a speech."

When asked if he regretted his actions on Jan. 6, Trump contended that he ordered the crowd to leave "peacefully and patriotically," and defended the protesters.
8:55

Trump dodges question about Jan. 6, claims he had nothing to do with it

When asked if he regretted his actions on Jan. 6, Trump contended that he ordered the crowd to leave "peacefully and patriotically," and defended the protesters.
ABCNews.com

Sep 10, 2024, 9:52 PM EDT

'I'm talking now': Trump calls back to Harris' debate line against Pence

While Trump was trying to claim Harris supports defunding the police, she could be seen saying his statement was "not true" despite her microphone being muted.

But Trump clearly heard her.

"I'm talking now. If you don't mind. Please. Does that sound familiar?" he said.

The comment was a call back to Harris' viral chiding of Mike Pence during their vice presidential debate in 2020 for his interruptions while she was answering a question.

"Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” she pushed back at the time.

Sep 11, 2024, 9:50 PM EDT

Harris asked to address policy changes

Harris was asked about her policy position changes on issues such as fracking, key in Pennsylvania -- which she said during her last campaign for president she wanted to ban, but now won't.

Harris said that as vice president she has not banned fracking, and that her position is that we "have got to invest in diverse sources of energy."

Harris was asked to her policy position changes on issues like fracking, key in Pennsylvania -- which she said during her last campaign for president she wanted to ban but now won't.
2:34

Harris asked to address policy changes

Harris was asked to her policy position changes on issues like fracking, key in Pennsylvania -- which she said during her last campaign for president she wanted to ban but now won't.
ABCNews.com

"We have had the largest increase in domestic oil production in history because of an approach that recognizes that we cannot over rely on foreign oil," she said.

Sep 10, 2024, 9:51 PM EDT

CLAIM: Trump said 'they didn't fire anybody having to do with Afghanistan.'

Fact: True, but needs context.

It is accurate that no one with a direct role in the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 has been held publicly accountable.

Trump appears to be specifically referring to a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members.

U.S. Central Command ultimately concluded that the bombing was not preventable and that members of a Marine sniper team were mistaken when they told others they had the suicide bomber in their sights.

Trump, congressional Republicans and several Gold Star families say they believe these investigations have not gone far enough.