Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clash in heated first presidential debate

US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in a contentious first presidential debate, engaging in fiery exchanges on critical issues such as abortion rights, the economy, immigration, and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Moderated by ABC News, the debate saw fact-checking of Trump's claims on abortion and violent crime, adding intensity to the already high-stakes event.

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Throughout the debate, the candidates frequently targeted each other's character. Harris accused Trump of being a global embarrassment, claiming world leaders were "laughing at him." In response, Trump fired back, stating that President Joe Biden "hated" Harris, adding a personal edge to the political showdown.

One notable moment occurred before the debate began, when Harris approached Trump’s podium to shake hands. Trump accepted, marking a rare display of civility between the two rivals. This contrasted with a previous debate between Trump and Biden two months earlier, where the two did not exchange handshakes.

This debate, with just two months remaining before the 2024 presidential election, is seen as a key moment in shaping the political landscape. Both candidates used the platform as an opportunity to sway voters in crucial battleground states.

With the final stretch of the race approaching, this confrontation set the tone for the fierce political contest ahead.