Thursday Briefing: Who Won the Harris-Trump Debate?

Vice President Kamala Harris dominated much of Tuesday’s debate against Donald Trump, mostly by successfully targeting the former president’s ego.

But she missed an opportunity to expand on her own plans for the presidency, appearing most at ease when talking about Trump’s agenda. After the debate, some undecided Americans said that while she seemed more presidential than Trump, they wanted more details about her tax and economic platforms.

Analysis: The candidates offered contrasting views of the U.S., my colleague Peter Baker writes. Trump’s America is grim and full of marauding immigrants. Harris describes a weary but hopeful nation ready to move on from the Trump years.

Worldview: Neither candidate presented a specific plan to end the war in Gaza or secure a cease-fire. Trump avoided answering whether he wanted Ukraine to defeat Russia, deepening fears that he would end U.S. military support for Kyiv if he were elected.

Memorable moments: Trump repeated a debunked rumor about immigrants eating cats, and Harris reminded viewers she owns a gun.

Americans head to the polls in less than eight weeks.

Do you have questions about the election? Send them to us, and we’ll find the answers.