The 2024 U.S. presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday night presented a sharp contrast between two visions for the future of the United States. Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, highlighted her progressive platform, while Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, focused on tax cuts for the wealthy, divisive rhetoric, and defending his record. Progressive organizers, labor leaders, and advocacy groups emphasized the clear choice between the two candidates.
Donald Trump’s economic proposals centered around tax cuts and deregulation, a continuation of the policies from his first term that benefited the wealthy and corporations. During the debate, Trump boasted about his plan to “cut taxes very substantially” while downplaying the needs of working-class Americans.
Kamala Harris took aim at Trump’s economic policies, accusing him of being more focused on benefiting the rich than on addressing the challenges faced by ordinary Americans. “It’s all about tax breaks for the richest people,” Harris said, making clear her opposition to Trump’s agenda. She also emphasized her own commitment to supporting working-class families, citing her endorsement by the United Auto Workers and her focus on addressing the affordable housing crisis.
“Harris has a clear plan for her presidency: Building an opportunity economy, securing reproductive freedom, making housing more affordable, and protecting access to healthcare for millions of Americans,” said Swing Left, a progressive advocacy group. The group added that “Donald Trump wants to tax the middle class while giving tax cuts to his billionaire buddies.”
One of the most heated exchanges of the night revolved around abortion rights. Trump praised the conservative-dominated Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade and refused to say whether he would veto a national abortion ban. He expressed his satisfaction with the Court’s decision, saying, “I did a great service in doing that,” referring to the reversal of Roe.
Harris, however, came out strongly in defense of reproductive rights. She reminded voters that Trump had “hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did exactly as he intended.” She further highlighted that “in over 20 states there are Trump abortion bans which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide healthcare,” emphasizing that some states even impose life imprisonment for doctors who perform abortions.
Harris’ passionate defense of women’s rights to bodily autonomy resonated with many Americans. “The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” she said. Harris framed the fight for reproductive rights as a moral issue and a key battleground for her campaign.
While Harris led on many issues, her stance on climate disappointed some progressives. During the debate, she highlighted the Biden administration’s record increase in domestic oil production and expressed support for fracking. This alienated climate activists, who have been pushing for more aggressive action on clean energy.
The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate advocacy group, criticized Harris for her comments on energy. “Tonight, Harris spent more time promoting fracking than laying out a bold vision for a clean energy future,” the group said, calling it “a big missed opportunity.”
Despite this critique, Harris reiterated her commitment to addressing climate change, though her stance on fracking risked losing support from key environmental groups.
Trump’s rhetoric on immigration was a return to his familiar fearmongering, claiming that immigrants have “destroyed the fabric of our country.” He even repeated debunked rumors about Haitian immigrants eating pets, despite local officials stating that these claims were false.
Harris, in contrast, took a more measured and compassionate approach. She rejected Trump’s divisive rhetoric and emphasized her support for policies that protect immigrant communities. “Trump is using fear to divide us,” Harris said, making clear her commitment to standing up for immigrants and marginalized communities.
One of the most contentious topics for progressives was Harris’ stance on the Israeli assault on Gaza. Harris reiterated her support for a ceasefire but added that “Israel has a right to defend itself.” This stance frustrated some progressive activists who have called for the U.S. to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, expressed disappointment in Harris’ response, saying, “Harris’ comments on Gaza continue to offend voters appalled by Netanyahu’s U.S.-funded killing campaign. They offer nothing new and perpetuate the murderous status quo.”
Harris stood firmly in support of reproductive rights, working-class Americans, and progressive economic reforms, while Trump doubled down on tax cuts for the wealthy, fearmongering about immigration, and divisive policies. For progressives, the choice is clear: Harris represents a future of inclusive leadership and bold reforms, while Trump remains committed to policies that benefit the rich and powerful.
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, summed it up: “As tonight’s debate reminded us, a second Trump term would be a corporate CEO’s dream and a worker’s nightmare.”
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