The Presidential Debate Take 2: Harris’ Successes
By Lady Gwendolyn of Brunei
Just hours ago, Kamala Harris, the new Democratic Party representative, faced Donald Trump in a highly anticipated presidential debate.
While headlines like ‘Trump Spews Lies About Abortions and Eating Pets’ and ‘It Was Donald Trump’s Night—In the Worst Possible Way’ dominated news sources, they all share a common flaw: an overwhelming focus on Trump’s blunders while neglecting to fully recognise Kamala Harris’ successes. Why is this? Why is it that a female candidate consistently receives less recognition and respect compared to her male counterpart? In an era where gender equality should be front and centre, the media’s coverage reflects a troubling disparity in how female politicians are treated.
Rather than objectively analysing Harris' triumphs, many news outlets have reduced the debate to a spectacle of Trump’s theatrics. This trivialisation reflects a broader issue—people’s reluctance to take female politicians as seriously as they do men, a trend that escalated during Trump’s presidency. His endless barrage of lies and inflammatory comments have desensitised the public, turning debates into reality TV.
Even the language used to describe candidates reveals a bias. When was the last time you saw Trump referred to as ‘Donald’? Yet Harris is frequently called by her first name, a subtle but significant way of diminishing her professionalism. This isn’t just about Kamala Harris. Hillary Clinton was often referred to as ‘Hillary,’ while her male counterparts—Biden, Obama, and others—are typically addressed by their last names. This trend isn't trivial; it reinforces a double standard where women in politics are afforded less respect and decorum than men. Some might argue that Harris is referred to by her first name because ‘Harris’ is a common surname, but in the context of a presidential race, there is no ambiguity. We’re talking about Kamala Harris, a political leader—her name should command the same respect as any male candidate’s. Despite this, Harris’ performance in the debate was nothing short of stellar, and it’s time to acknowledge that. Some media outlets expressed "shock" at Harris’ successes, but let’s be clear: there’s nothing shocking about a woman excelling in politics. There never has been, and there never should be. Unfortunately, Trump’s comical failures often overshadow serious discussion of Harris’ strengths, so let’s break down some key moments.
According to a CNN/SSRS instant poll, 63% of viewers declared Harris the winner of the debate, a fact that speaks volumes despite Trump’s delusional post-debate claim that she ‘lost very badly.’ From the moment Harris shook hands with her opponent, she was in control. Over the course of the 90-minute debate, Harris methodically dismantled Trump’s legacy of racist attacks, professional failures, and his culpability in the January 6 Capitol riot. She tore into his abortion policies, firmly reiterating her support for Roe v. Wade and the right of women to make decisions about their own bodies.
Harris didn’t stop there. She called out Trump’s rallies, pointing out how even his supporters leave due to boredom and frustration. She fact-checked his absurd claim about windmills causing cancer and exposed his callous disregard for the American people. Her takedown of Trump was precise and powerful, and it visibly rattled him.
At one point, Trump, clearly flustered, made a bizarre comment about immigrants eating people’s pets—an embarrassing attempt to stoke fear and xenophobia. Harris, on the other hand, remained composed, offering thoughtful responses that underscored her grasp of the issues.
So while Trump stumbled through a series of nonsensical rants, Harris delivered a commanding performance. And yet, here we are, with most of the media choosing to focus on the circus rather than the capable leader who emerged victorious from it. It’s time we give credit where it’s deserved.