The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was a defining moment, with Harris taking command from the very beginning. The event unfolded with palpable tension, as the candidates took the stage, but it was Harris who immediately seized the moment. With a confident stride, she made a power move by walking over to Trump and shaking his hand, a gesture that symbolized her readiness for the battle ahead.

As the debate kicked off, Harris was asked about the January 6th Insurrection. This moment marked the beginning of a series of well-executed rebuttals by Harris that left Trump scrambling. Trump quickly defaulted to his well-worn “election denier” mode, but Harris’s response was unflinching. She reminded the audience of the gravity of the January 6th attack, underscoring that she had been at the Capitol that day as Vice President-elect and a sitting Senator.

Harris did not hold back. She vividly recounted how Trump had incited a violent mob to desecrate the nation’s Capitol, resulting in the injury of over 140 law enforcement officers. Her recounting of the Charlottesville incident and Trump’s infamous “fine people on both sides” remark drew a stark contrast between the two candidates. Harris’s message was clear: it was time to turn the page and leave behind the chaos Trump represented. Her appeal to those seeking stability and democracy resonated deeply as she invited disillusioned voters to join her in moving the country forward.

Meanwhile, Trump’s performance was marked by deflection and incoherence. When asked if he would veto a national abortion ban, Trump not only avoided a clear yes or no answer but also threw his running mate, J.D. Vance, under the bus, claiming they hadn’t discussed the issue. His attempts to justify his stance on student loans and abortion fell flat as he rambled on about unrelated matters.

Trump’s descent into familiar territory continued as he spoke about crowd sizes at his rallies and made bizarre, unfounded claims about migrants eating pets in American towns, a statement that was promptly fact-checked. Harris used these moments to further highlight Trump’s detachment from reality and his willingness to spread misinformation. Trump’s inability to answer basic questions left him looking defensive, while Harris remained poised and focused.

One of the most powerful moments came when Harris addressed the issue of women’s reproductive rights. In response to Trump’s bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade, Harris pointed out the dire consequences of Trump-appointed justices on the Supreme Court. She passionately spoke about the impact of abortion bans, particularly the inhumane reality for survivors of rape and incest, who are now forced to carry pregnancies to term. Harris’s pledge to restore Roe v. Wade protections through legislation struck a chord with many voters who oppose government interference in personal health decisions.

Throughout the debate, Harris repeatedly brought the conversation back to the rule of law, democracy, and the dangers of returning Trump to the White House. She highlighted Trump’s repeated criminal charges and his intent to weaponize the Department of Justice if given another term in office. In stark contrast, Harris presented herself as a leader dedicated to the future of America, addressing real issues such as affordable housing, small business support, and lowering the cost of living.

Trump’s final attempts to label Harris as a threat to democracy were met with a swift counter. Harris pointed out the irony, reminding the audience that Trump himself has been found liable for multiple crimes, including sexual assault, election interference, and national security violations. Her calm, measured responses to Trump’s increasingly frantic claims only further solidified her standing as a leader ready to guide the nation forward.

In the aftermath of the debate, Harris received high praise for her performance, with commentators noting how she decisively dismantled Trump’s arguments. Her focus on democratic values, women’s rights, and the rule of law drew a sharp contrast to Trump’s chaotic and divisive rhetoric. The crowd went wild as Harris’s first powerful move set the tone for the entire debate, and by the end, it was clear that she had delivered a fatal blow to Trump’s campaign.

This debate will likely be remembered as a turning point, where Kamala Harris demonstrated that she is not only a formidable vice president but also a future leader of the nation. With her combination of intelligence, poise, and passion for justice, Harris has solidified her place on the national stage, leaving Trump to grapple with the fallout of a debate that exposed his vulnerabilities.