What to look out for in the Harris-Trump debate
This debate has the potential to be the most watched debate as the 2024 presidential race has been turned upside down since Joe Biden stepped down as the Democratic nominee.
Former President Donald Trump hailed the Jan. 6 insurrection during Tuesday’s presidential debate, calling the Capitol rioters “we.”
“It’s a shame. But we (he meant the insurrectionists) did not hurt this group of people who were treated so badly,” Trump said.
The Republican candidate said the death of Ashley Babbit outside the front doors of the House of Representatives during the attempted overthrow of the 2020 election was a “disgrace” committed by an “out-of-control cop.”
The police officer was acquitted of any wrongdoing in August 2021.
Trump attempted to evade a question from ABC anchor David Muir, who asked him if he regretted his actions during the insurrection. Trump attempted to distance himself from the insurrection and falsely blame the inadequate security on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Trump spreads false information about 2020 and the election during debate
Trump continued to spread falsehoods about the 2020 election, including claiming he won the election he lost. Trump retracted his previous admission that he lost the election, calling the statements “sarcasm.”
Trump also threatened not to recognize the result of the 2024 election, saying, “People should never talk about fraud in an election.”
The Republican candidate continued the anti-immigration theme of his campaign and spread the falsehood that illegal immigrants were allowed to participate in American elections.
“They can’t even speak English,” Trump said. “They practically don’t even know what country they’re in.”
How to follow the Harris-Trump debate
At 9 p.m. EDT, the USA TODAY Network will simulcast the ABC News presidential debate on the USA TODAY channel, available on most smart TVs and devices.
