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

The Harris campaign is feeling good about the debate so far and how Harris has put Trump on defense.

“VP Harris is in total command of the stage. She is presidential. She has Trump on the ropes, holding him accountable for his own actions -- notably how he got Roe v. Wade scrapped and the damage that's caused women across America. He hasn't been the same since that exchange,” Harris campaign spokesperson Ian Sams said on X.

The Harris campaign is also getting reaction from a focus group of undecided voters in battlegrounds in real time. These are dial groups that give a number to indicate how they’re feeling about each candidate as the debate goes on.

A campaign official shared that Harris' response on Jan. 6 -- saying it's time to "end the chaos," "turn the page" and return to stability -- was one of the strongest answers of the night among men.

The campaign official also shared that Harris' talking about abortion was a strong moment for her among undecided voters.

-ABC News' Selina Wang

Harris is noticeably more expressive in the room.

While Trump has occasionally smirked or shaken his head, her body language is much bigger, turning toward Trump and back, folding her hands, unfolding them, making faces as if shocked or strongly disagreeing with Trump while he talks.

For example, she looked disgusted when Trump mentioned Hungary's Viktor Orban. When Trump said he was being sarcastic about losing the 2020 election by a "whisker," Harris made a disapproving face, eyebrows furrowed and shook her head. When Trump was talking about Jan. 6, she shook her head throughout.

Trump's biggest reactions so far were around his court cases and when Harris said "you're running against me" (not President Joe Biden). He raised his eyebrows and gave a smile.

-ABC News' MaryAlice Parks

Fact Check: False

Trump did exchange letters with Kim Jong Un in August 2018 after the two leaders held a summit together in Singapore in June 2018. Trump tweeted thanking the North Korean leader “for your nice letter – I look forward to seeing you soon.” The White House at the time said Trump sent a reply to the North Korean leader, but the White House did not provide details about what was in Kim Jong Un’s letter or what was in Trump’s reply.

In August 2019, Trump said he received a “very beautiful letter” from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when speaking to reporters.

In September 2018, Trump told a crowd at a campaign rally that there was once tough talk between the two leaders, “and then we fell in love.”

"And then we fell in love, okay? No, really - he wrote me beautiful letters, and they're great letters," Trump said at the rally. Trump did often speak favorably of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during and after his presidency.

Trump said he "doesn't care" about Harris' racial identity, despite his previous repeated comments about her race, including that she "happened to turn Black."

"I don't care what she is. I don't care," he said. "Whatever she wants to be is OK with me."

Asked for her thoughts, Harris said it's a "tragedy" that Trump has attempted to use race over his career to divide the country -- citing the case of the Central Park Five.

"I think the American people want better than that, want better than this," she said.

2:54

Trump asked to address his comments on Harris' race

Trump said he "doesn't care" about Harris' racial identity, despite his previous repeated comments about her race, including that she "happened to turn Black."

ABCNews.com