ABC News did a terrible job.
Reactions from both conservatives and liberals flooded social media following the conclusion of the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Alfredo Ortiz, President of the Job Creators Network, issued a statement saying, “The debate showed a clear difference between Donald Trump, who proposed solutions to the country’s most pressing issues, and Kamala Harris, who relied on tired talking points.” He continued, “Kamala tried to dodge her flawed liberal record, flip-flopping on many key issues. She can run from her record, but she can’t hide from its consequences. Trump, on the other hand, came across as a strong leader, laying out policies to revive the economy. In short, he was presidential; she was not.”
Several social media users criticized the debate moderators from ABC. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld posted, “My debate score: Trump – 3, moderators – 9, Harris – N/A.” Kayleigh McEnany, former Trump press secretary, also criticized the moderators on X, questioning their failure to ask Harris tough questions, such as her tie-breaking vote on inflation or taxpayer-funded surgeries for illegal immigrants. “ABC should be ASHAMED of themselves,” she wrote.
Others in conservative circles shared similar sentiments. Political commentator Mehek Cooke posted, “They are not moderators; they are agitators,” while conservative commentator Matt Walsh remarked, “Kamala seemed weak and rehearsed, but Trump missed several opportunities and rambled too much. I don’t think the debate moves the needle for either candidate.”
Jessica Anderson, President of Sentinel Action Fund, added in a statement, “Tonight’s debate felt like Old Kamala versus New Kamala, as she tried to rewrite her stance on radical policies like immigration, energy, and Bidenomics.”
Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt voiced his opinion on X, saying, “Trump didn’t win the debate, but he might have won the election. Voters saw Harris dodge every tough question while ABC catered to her.”
On the other side, some believed Harris emerged victorious. Journalist John Ralston tweeted, “Biden gave one of the worst debate performances in history. Trump: Hold my beer.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod remarked, “Kamala Harris pushed Trump’s buttons, and he unraveled.” Journalist Chris Cillizza also commented, “Kamala Harris won the debate. Pretty easily.”
In a statement, the Harris campaign called Trump “incoherent” and “angry,” saying Harris showed herself as the leader America needs. “Americans saw what kind of president Kamala Harris will be: one who offers a New Way Forward,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign also declared victory, claiming that the former president delivered a “masterful performance” by exposing Harris’ record. “Trump laid out his bold vision for America, focusing on economic growth, securing the border, and reducing crime, while Harris represented a continuation of the failed policies of the Biden administration,” the statement said.
