Harris Accuses Trump of Supporting National Abortion Ban
In their first televised debate in Philadelphia, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris accused Republican rival Donald Trump of planning to sign a national abortion ban if elected. Harris argued, “In over 20 years, there are Trump abortion bans. They don’t make exceptions even in rape and incest…if Trump becomes president, he will sign the national abortion ban.”
Trump Denies Claims and Criticizes Democrats
Trump denied Harris’s allegations, stating, “She is lying. I’m not signing the ban. There is no reason to sign the ban.” He accused Democrats of supporting extreme abortion policies and criticized Harris’s vice-presidential pick, suggesting they support late-term abortions. Trump claimed, “Democrats are radicals. Her vice-presidential pick…says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine.”
Controversial Claims and Fact-Checking
Trump also made a controversial statement that Democrats support post-birth abortions, saying, “In other words, we’ll execute the baby.” ABC Networks, the host of the debate, fact-checked this claim and confirmed that killing a baby after birth is illegal in all 50 states.
Election Context and Polls
The 2024 presidential race was initially expected to be a rematch of the 2020 election. However, Harris replaced President Joe Biden after his poor debate performance against Trump in July. If elected, Harris would become the first female president of the United States. Although Trump initially led in national polls, recent surveys indicate a close race with Harris holding a slight advantage.