This story at a glance…

1. Kamala Harris rattled Donald Trump in a fiery debate, keeping him on the defensive with sharp jabs.

2. Some praised Harris's preparation and composure, while others criticized her for dodging questions.

3. Trump was seen by allies as missing key opportunities and taking Harris's bait too often.

4. Opinions were split, with both sides claiming victory in a debate that left the winner unclear.

Trump v. Harris: Who Won the Debate?

Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was nothing short of a political heavyweight fight. The debate was filled with pointed jabs, sharp exchanges, and enough rhetorical fireworks to light up a city skyline. Though the two sparred over policy now and then, it quickly became clear that the spotlight was on their verbal blows and character digs.

Bait, Switch, and Fireworks
From the start, Vice President Harris seemed to be on a mission to keep Trump on his toes. She challenged him on crowd sizes at his rallies and threw out remarks about military leaders supposedly viewing him as a “disgrace.” Trump, known for his combative style, didn’t hold back. He fired back calling Harris “the worst vice president in the history of our country” and accusing her of having no policies of her own. However, many observers noted that Harris had a knack for getting under Trump’s skin, causing him to veer off his intended message.

Republican voices, such as former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, acknowledged this. “She was exquisitely well prepared,” Christie remarked. “This is the difference between someone who is well prepared and someone who is unprepared.” Even some of Trump’s allies admitted that he had taken Harris’s bait more often than he should have, steering away from key talking points.

Did Harris Steal the Show?
If the goal was to provoke Trump into making mistakes, Harris seemed to have succeeded. Democratic strategist Caitlin Legacki praised Harris for holding her ground, saying, “She cleared the bar in terms of telling her personal story, going deep enough on policy, but also showing she has the chops to go toe to toe with anyone.” Meanwhile, Republican strategist Lance Trover noted that while Trump had some strong moments on issues like the border and economy, “he took the bait from the V.P., giving her a pass.”

Others were more pointed in their critiques. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, quipped, “Kamala Harris exceeded the very low expectations that were purposely set for her.” Meanwhile, Hugh Hewitt, a conservative radio host, felt that the debate was unfairly skewed in Harris’s favor by the moderators.

Mixed Reactions from Both Sides
Opinions varied. For some, the debate felt like a carefully choreographed trap that Trump walked right into. Guy Benson, a conservative commentator, said Trump was “poorly prepared and unfocused,” missing opportunities to press Harris on key issues. Others, like Henrietta Treyz of Veda Partners, noted that Harris played a “long game,” allowing Trump to wander off-topic for much of the debate.

There were also those who believed Harris was just as guilty of dodging tough questions. Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt argued that voters saw Harris “dodge every question that was even slightly difficult.” He accused her of trying to erase both her record and President Biden’s. Still, others saw a different dynamic: Justin Wolfers, a University of Michigan professor, humorously mused, “Perhaps men are too emotional to be President.”

What’s Next for Both Camps?
So, who won the debate? That depends on whom you ask. President Biden certainly thought Harris was the clear victor, tweeting that she “proved she’s the best choice to lead our nation forward.” On the other side, some Trump supporters felt let down, expecting a more commanding performance from the former president. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former White House communications director under Trump, stated, “A lot of Trump’s supporters are tuning in tonight to see the mask fall off... There will be some genuinely surprised & disappointed Trump supporters after tonight’s performance.”

While Trump supporters complained about missed opportunities, Harris supporters cheered her steady composure and ability to keep Trump on the defensive. Ultimately, it was like watching a boxing match where both fighters claim they won—and both insist the referee was biased.

Reflection 
In any heated debate, it’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and lose focus on the real message. Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” As Christians, we’re called to demonstrate self-control and to focus on the truth, speaking with grace and wisdom. In the end, whether in a debate or in daily life, it is often those who remain calm and collected who truly win the day.