By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,
The 2024 presidential race intensified Tuesday night as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The high-stakes debate saw both candidates sparring over immigration, national security and abortion, while also trading personal attacks.
As the nation watched, Harris emerged with key endorsements that could reshape the election, including support from Taylor Swift, Liz Cheney and former Vice President Dick Cheney, as well as over 200 Republicans. Meanwhile, Trump’s endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) sparked controversy within law enforcement circles.
Harris vs. Trump: A Heated Showdown
Harris came into the debate armed with a strategic plan to highlight Trump’s failures and erratic behavior. From calling out his involvement in the January 6 insurrection to questioning his mishandling of immigration reform. Harris did not hold back. “World leaders are laughing at him,” she said, adding that Trump had been “fired by 81 million voters” in 2020. Harris painted Trump as “weak” and “wrong” while positioning herself as a steady leader capable of moving the country forward.
Trump, on the other hand, was combative throughout the night, frequently veering off-topic and repeating debunked conspiracy theories. One of his more bizarre claims was that immigrants were “eating Americans’ pets,” a comment that Harris allowed to hang in the air, likely hoping voters would see the absurdity in Trump’s remarks.
Political analyst Steve Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, praised Harris’s composure and strategy. “Kamala Harris showed the American people that she’s ready to lead. Trump’s vision is chaos, but she offers stability and a commitment to democracy,” Horsford said during post-debate coverage on Black Star Network.
Key Endorsements Boost Harris
The debate also marked a significant shift in endorsements that could shape the outcome of the 2024 election. Harris received a major boost with public support from music superstar Taylor Swift, who took to Instagram to endorse the Democratic ticket. Swift posted, “I’m backing Kamala Harris and the Democrats. We need leaders who will protect our rights and our democracy.” Her endorsement resonated strongly with young voters and women, groups that are pivotal to Harris’s success.
In a rare move, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, also endorsed Harris. Their joint statement called Harris the “only candidate capable of safeguarding American democracy.” The Cheneys have been outspoken critics of Trump and his authoritarian tendencies, and their endorsement signals deep divisions within the Republican Party over Trump’s candidacy.
“Donald Trump represents a threat to everything this country stands for,” Liz Cheney said in an interview, explaining why she chose to cross party lines and endorse Harris.
This endorsement was followed by support from over 200 Republicans, many of whom cited concerns about Trump’s divisive leadership. These Republicans, including former officials and lawmakers, pointed to Harris’s experience as a prosecutor and her commitment to upholding the rule of law as reasons for their support.
Controversial FOP Endorsement for Trump
While Harris’s endorsements were largely celebrated, Trump received backing from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the nation’s largest police union, which endorsed him for the 2024 election. The FOP described Trump as a “partner” and “leader” in its official endorsement, but not all law enforcement officers were pleased. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead joined over 100 law enforcement officials nationwide in condemning the FOP’s support for Trump.
Birkhead, who has endorsed Harris, criticized the FOP for backing “a convicted felon over a former prosecutor.” During a Harris-Walz press call, Birkhead said, “Kamala Harris understands the needs of communities like mine and has always had our back. Her record as a former prosecutor shows she can both support law enforcement and hold us accountable when necessary.”
Birkhead’s comments underscore a growing divide within law enforcement, with many officers rejecting Trump’s politics and favoring Harris for her balanced approach to public safety and justice.
Debate Highlights
Immigration and Border Security
Harris took a firm stance on immigration, criticizing Trump for failing to enact meaningful reform and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis at the border. Trump responded by doubling down on his border wall rhetoric and making wild, unsubstantiated claims about immigrants, further alienating some voters.
Abortion Rights
Harris made clear her unwavering support for reproductive rights, calling them fundamental to American freedom. Trump, however, falsely claimed Democrats supported illegal post-birth abortions, a statement quickly debunked by fact-checkers. Harris’s approach resonated with women voters, especially in light of recent Supreme Court rulings affecting abortion access.
National Security and January 6
The most intense exchange came when Harris confronted Trump about the January 6 insurrection, calling it a “direct attack on democracy.” Trump deflected, refusing to take responsibility for his role in inciting the violence, and instead pivoted to accusations against the Biden administration’s foreign policy, a move that left many viewers frustrated.
Polling and Public Reaction
In the immediate aftermath of the debate, a CNN poll showed that 58% of viewers believed Harris won, compared to 41% for Trump. Harris’s disciplined focus on key issues like democracy, reproductive rights, and law enforcement resonated with suburban voters, women, and independents, while Trump’s erratic performance largely appealed to his base.
Political commentator Roland Martin hosted a post-debate analysis on his Black Star Network, where members of the Congressional Black Caucus weighed in. Rep. Maxine Waters called Trump’s performance “a disgrace,” while Majority Whip Jim Clyburn warned that Trump’s policies represented “Jim Crow 2.0,” especially in their impact on civil rights and voting access.
A Defining Moment in the 2024 Race
As the 2024 election approaches, the race has crystallized into a clear choice between two opposing visions for America’s future. Harris’s ability to secure endorsements from across the political spectrum – including pop icon Taylor Swift and Republican heavyweights Liz and Dick Cheney – demonstrates her broad appeal and unifying message. Meanwhile, Trump’s reliance on divisive rhetoric and endorsements from controversial groups like the FOP may limit his ability to expand beyond his loyal base.
With just 56 days until the election, both campaigns are in a race to the finish line. Harris has shown she can attract diverse support, while Trump continues to face challenges in uniting the country behind his vision. The next few weeks will be critical as both sides push to solidify their path to victory in one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history.
Othor Cain of Othor Cain Media summed up the sentiment in his live broadcast: “Even Stevie Wonder saw the contrast tonight. Kamala Harris was masterful on that stage. Our collective Black job over the next 56 days is to elect Kamala Harris as President. As Michelle Obama once said, let’s show him that the job he’s applying for is a Black job.”
Be the first to comment