Presidential debate highlights from the first Trump vs. Harris showdown of 2024

Harris was asked how she would break through the stalemate between Israel and Hamas. 

“Well, let’s understand how we got here,” Harris said. “On Oct. 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, slaughtered 1,200 Israelis, many of them young people who were simply attending a concert. Women were horribly raped. And so absolutely, I said then, I say now, Israel has a right to defend itself, we would. And how it does so matters.” 

Harris said the world must “chart a course” for a “two-state solution.” 

“I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, particularly as it relates to Iran,” Harris said. 

Trump, given a chance to address how he would negotiate a cease-fire, claimed Russia would have never invaded Ukraine under his watch.

“But when she mentions about Israel, all of the sudden, she hates Israel,” Trump claimed of Harris. He also claimed Harris “hates the Arab population,” because the whole region is going to be “blown up.” 

Given a chance to respond, Harris said it’s “absolutely not true” that she hates Israel. 

“He’s trying again to divide and distract from the reality,” Harris said, calling Trump “weak and wrong” on foreign policy. 

Minutes after Trump touted strongman Orban’s praise of him, Harris said, “it is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because it’s so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors.”