People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

NEW YORK CITY — On the eve of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, a consequential debate took place September 10 in Philadelphia between two presidential candidates: former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

For 90 minutes, the two leaders debated several critical issues, including the economy, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, democracy and immigration.

Filipino Americans on both coasts were glued to their TVs and social media, watching the debate live and expressing their joys and frustrations for their candidates on Facebook and Twitter.

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Republicans praised Trump for his strong stance on foreign policy and immigration, while Democrats celebrated Harris for her successful rebuttals to Trump’s claims, highlighting his arrogance and dishonesty. If her aim was to provoke Trump into revealing his true colors, Harris certainly succeeded. Instead of addressing the moderators’ questions, Trump spent much of his time defending himself.

“Trump lost,” said Alex Griffin, the Fil-Am councilmember and former mayor of Hercules, Calif. “He’s pathetic and a joke. He’s the worst politician of our lifetime. You don’t need a degree in political science to see that the majority of what he says is completely wrong. Eating pets??”

Griffin was referencing Trump’s false narrative about Haitian immigrants in Ohio allegedly eating pets. Despite fact-checking from news outlets disproving this claim, Trump insisted on its validity during the debate. “They’re eating the dogs; the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” Trump said, responding to a question about immigration.

Republicans also criticized the network moderators for allegedly favoring Harris while claiming she has no concrete plan for the country if elected come November. Many expressed dissatisfaction with Harris’ responses on issues like foreign policy and the Russia-Ukraine war. Instead of focusing on these topics, she aimed to provoke Trump by pointing out his lies and divisive rhetoric.

Trump seized every opportunity to challenge Harris, disregarding the debate rules set by ABC and its moderators.

On immigration, Trump attacked Harris and President Joe Biden, blaming them for “opening the borders” and allowing migrants to enter the country freely, labeling them as criminals.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In contrast, Harris emphasized her commitment to supporting the middle class, proposing a significant child tax credit and tax deductions for small businesses. She criticized Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy, arguing they would add $5 trillion to the deficit and impose a 20 percent sales tax on everyday goods, costing middle-class families an additional $4,000 annually.

Yet one Fil-Am on the Filipino American Patriots page on Facebook, Elijah Albrecht, lamented, “Four years she did nothing, but now she wants to do something. I am not buying it.”

Trump defended his economic record, claiming he had created a strong economy before the pandemic while criticizing current inflation and immigration issues. Harris countered, blaming Trump for high unemployment and a weakened democracy, insisting that his plans would only exacerbate economic challenges.

After discussing the economy, the two candidates addressed abortion rights. Trump claimed pride in overturning Roe v. Wade, asserting that states should decide on abortion laws while supporting exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. He accused Democrats of promoting extreme policies, such as late-term abortions.

Harris countered that Trump’s actions have led to harsh abortion bans in many states, often with no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest, calling these policies immoral. She promised to reinstate Roe v. Wade protections if elected and emphasized the importance of women having autonomy over their bodies. Harris highlighted real-life consequences of current bans, including issues related to IVF treatments.

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On this topic, Harris garnered sympathy from women as she passionately challenged Trump’s claims. “You want to talk about what people wanted? Pregnant women suffering from a miscarriage are being denied care in emergency rooms because healthcare providers are afraid they might go to jail,” Harris said.

Trump dismissed her claims as lies, maintaining that there is no need for a national abortion ban since states can make their own laws. He argued that discussions about a ban are irrelevant because they won’t pass in Congress. Harris concluded by emphasizing that most Americans support women’s rights regarding their own bodies, citing voting trends in various states.

Harris criticized Trump’s presidency, highlighting its negative impacts, including high unemployment, a severe public health crisis and threats to democracy. She expressed her commitment to uniting Americans and warned of misleading tactics from Trump, specifically referencing a plan called Project 2025.

On immigration, Harris claimed that Trump sabotaged a bipartisan border security bill that could have addressed fentanyl and human trafficking, prioritizing political gain over solutions. She criticized Trump’s extreme rhetoric and highlighted endorsements she received from Republicans, suggesting that even members of his party find his behavior unacceptable.

Trump denied Harris’ claims about the border security bill, arguing he has a better understanding of the issue and the support of the American people. He accused Harris of having empty rallies and being responsible for the country’s current state, which he described as failing. He specifically targeted Springfield, Ohio, reiterating his disputed claim about immigrants eating pets. He also criticized Harris’ record, claiming she is unfit to be president.

Harris responded by highlighting criticisms Trump has faced from his former staff, arguing that these critiques demonstrate his unfitness for office.

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Trump dismissed these criticisms, claiming he fired those individuals for incompetence and asserting that he is the only president who takes action against underperformance. He claimed to have received more votes than any other Republican president.

Trump reiterated his stance on immigration, stating he would deport 11 million undocumented immigrants and would use the National Guard and military if necessary. He characterized the country as being overrun by criminals and terrorists, suggesting that rising crime is a direct result of the influx of immigrants. He also criticized the FBI’s crime statistics as fraudulent.

Harris did not directly address Trump’s immigration claims but emphasized that his rhetoric is extreme and that he is unfit to be president.

In their closing statements, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump presented contrasting visions for the future of the United States. Harris emphasized a forward-looking agenda focused on creating an “opportunity economy,” investing in small businesses, supporting families and protecting fundamental rights, including women’s rights. She framed her experience in public service as a commitment to serving all Americans and addressing their needs.

In response, Trump criticized Harris for her inability to deliver on promises during her time in office, questioning her effectiveness and accusing the current administration of leading the country into decline. He argued that the US is no longer a global leader, facing challenges from various conflicts and issues, including immigration. Trump portrayed his administration as one that strengthened the military and criticized Harris for decisions that he believes have harmed national security and integrity.

Overall, the exchange reflected deep ideological divides on governance, policy priorities and national identity.

The choice is yours, America. But the most important thing to do is to exercise your right to vote come November.

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