Ahead of the game-changing presidential debate, US Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris walked up to her Republican rival Donald Trump and shook his hand. This was the first time since 2016 that two US presidential candidates shook hands.
In this debate, both the candidates came face to face for the first time.
As the two rivals arrived on the debate stage, Trump moved towards the podium on the left to take his place. On the other hand, Kamala Harris crossed the stage and came to him and extended her hand.
“Kamala Harris, let’s have a good debate,” he said, introducing himself to the former president.
Trump responded, “Nice to meet you, let’s enjoy ourselves,” and the two shook hands.
“Thank you,” Harris said.
Tonight’s debate begins differently from the Biden/Trump debate in June—Harris reaches out to shake hands, introduces herself to Trump, and says, “Let’s have a nice debate.” Trump replies, “Nice to meet you—have fun.” pic.twitter.com/QVX8hoX8u6
— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) September 11, 2024
While there is no rule that the two candidates must shake hands, it is usually a gesture of courtesy before the politically brutal confrontation.
The high-stakes debate kicked off with a scathing attack from the 78-year-old Republican, calling Harris a “Marxist” and claiming she and President Joe Biden have “allowed millions of people from prisons, mental institutions and insane asylums to come into our country.”
Harris took multiple digs at the former US president, calling him a “convicted criminal”, a “friend of dictators” and saying he “used race to divide the American people.”
He said Trump’s own former White House security officials have called him a “deplorable.” “World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump,” he said.
This crucial debate is taking place just 56 days before the election, and the race for the White House has been extremely close.
The final presidential debate in June resulted in Joe Biden withdrawing from his re-election campaign and nominating Harris in his place.
Almost all surveys show a tough fight between the two candidates.
The debate proved to be an important opportunity for both rivals ahead of the November 5 voting in the US.
