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, 11:17 PM EDT

CLAIM: The Biden's took millions from 'all these different countries'

Fact check: Misleading

“Biden doesn’t go after people, because supposedly China paid him millions of dollars,” Trump said. “He’s afraid to do it. Between him and his son. They get all this money from Ukraine. They get all this money from all of these different countries and then you wonder why is he so loyal to this one, that one, Ukraine, China? Why is he?”

Financial records made public last year show details of an intricate web of about $19.3 million in payments from foreign sources that were directed to the Biden's associates and at least three Biden family members.

But not the president. The memos show that about $14.4 million in payments were made to "associates" of the Biden family or accounts associated with those individuals. These payments went largely to Hunter Biden business partners. From 2014 to 2020, Biden family members received about $4.94 million from sources with ties to Ukraine, Romania, China and Kazakhstan. The memos show these close to 90% of these payments went to Hunter Biden or his businesses. Other money went to the president's brother and the wife of Biden's late son Beau.

The memos that detail these payments don’t provide evidence that Joe Biden took any official actions because of his family’s business dealings.

-PolitiFact’s Aaron Sharockman

Sep 10, 2024, 11:09 PM EDT

Walz says he's 'feeling great,' calls Trump's debate performance 'unhinged'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he is "feeling great" about his running mate's debate performance while calling Trump's "unhinged."

"You saw a president for all Americans," Walz told ABC News about Harris, saying she laid out plans for the country and the economy, such as to help small businesses and make home ownership easier.

"On the other side, you saw a nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump angry and unhinged," he said.

Gov. Tim Walz discusses the performance of his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, following ABC News' debate.
2:15

Harris running mate Gov. Tim Walz 'feeling great' after debate

Gov. Tim Walz discusses the performance of his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, following ABC News' debate.
ABCNews.com

He said Trump, meanwhile, brought "nothing" except "anger" and "resentment."

"He shouldn't be anywhere near the White House," Walz said. "If it weren't so dangerous, it reminds you of an old man yelling at the clouds."

Asked by ABC News' Martha Raddatz for further clarification on where the Harris-Walz ticket stands on abortion restrictions, Walz said women need to make decisions about their health care, "not Donald Trump."

Sep 10, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT

Taylor Swift says she's voting for Kamala Harris

In a post on her Instagram account, Swift said she watched the debate, has done her research and made her choice on who to support in 2024 race.

"I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election," Swift wrote.

Sep 10, 2024, 11:06 PM EDT

CLAIM: 'Ashley Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that should have never, ever shot her. It's a disgrace.'

Fact check: Misleading

The U.S. Capitol Police Office of Professional Responsibility in August 2021 cleared the officer involved in the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, saying that officer would "not be facing internal discipline."

An internal investigation found the actions of the officer were "lawful and within Department policy," it said.

Babbitt was seen on video on Jan. 6 attempting to kick through a window near the House Speaker's Lobby, shortly after Babbitt entered the Capitol. She was subsequently shot and killed by the officer. The agency said they'd reviewed all available evidence in connection with the shooting including video and radio calls, and Capitol Police stood by the officer and said his actions saved the lives of lawmakers and family members.