ABC Presidential Debate Preview – Get Your Popcorn Ready!

Good evening, America! Welcome to tonight’s ABC Presidential Debate, where we’re about to witness what might just be the most anticipated political showdown of Election 2024. On one side, we have former President Donald Trump, a man who’s never met a microphone he didn’t like. And on the other, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s ready to bring the heat after some serious debate prep.

Now, I’m not here to take sides—I’m just the guy standing between you and what could be some truly epic zingers. This is going to be a debate where we cover all the big issues: the economy, healthcare, immigration—everything that’s shaping this election. You might laugh, you might cringe, but I promise, you won’t be bored.

So sit back, grab your popcorn, and get ready for what I like to call the ABC Presidential Debate: a conversation about the future of America, with just a little bit of humor on the side. Let the debate begin!

Economic Growth and Inflation

David Muir: Thank you, Conan. Let’s get straight to the heart of tonight's ABC Presidential Debate with the first topic: Economic Growth and Inflation. This issue is critical to voters as they face rising prices and concerns about job stability. Former President Trump, you’ve often highlighted your economic record during your time in office. What would your approach be to tackling inflation and ensuring sustained economic growth if elected again?

Donald Trump: Thank you, David. When I was president, we had the greatest economy in the history of our country. We saw record low unemployment, and inflation was almost nonexistent. Now, we’re facing skyrocketing prices because of reckless spending by Harris and Biden. To fix this, we need to lower taxes again, cut burdensome regulations, and bring back energy independence. Under my leadership, gas prices were low, businesses were booming, and the world respected us economically. We need to get back to that strong economy—putting America first.

David Muir: Vice President Harris, how do you respond to that? What is your plan for addressing inflation and promoting economic growth?

Kamala Harris: Thank you, David. The American people deserve an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy. Inflation has been a significant challenge, but our administration has focused on lowering costs for working families. We’ve made strides in reducing healthcare costs, lowering prescription drug prices, and creating jobs in clean energy and infrastructure. Moving forward, we will continue to expand these efforts. We’re building a sustainable economy, one that addresses the root causes of inflation by investing in long-term solutions like affordable housing, childcare, and education—while ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share. It’s about creating an economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

David Muir: Mr. Trump, Vice President Harris mentioned long-term investments and equitable solutions. How would your approach differ from that of the current administration, particularly in addressing the inflation issue?

Donald Trump: Look, David, the problem with what Kamala is saying is that it sounds good, but it doesn’t work. The policies they’re pushing are increasing inflation, not fixing it. All that government spending is the reason people are paying more for everything—gas, groceries, housing. We need to stop the spending, cut taxes, and bring back American energy. That’s how you lower inflation fast and bring back the strong economic growth we had under my administration.

Kamala Harris: If I may respond, David. Mr. Trump talks about cutting taxes and slashing regulations, but what he’s really talking about is giving more tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and large corporations. That’s not the solution. The solution is to build a strong, sustainable economy by investing in working families, supporting small businesses, and creating new jobs in clean energy. Our approach is about long-term stability, not just short-term gains for the wealthy.

David Muir: Both of you have laid out very different approaches to the economy. Before we wrap up this topic, I’d like to ask each of you to briefly outline your vision for the future of American jobs. Mr. Trump, you first.

Donald Trump: Jobs will come back when we make America strong again. We’ll bring manufacturing back, stop outsourcing, and lower taxes to give businesses the room to grow. The key to job creation is to get rid of burdensome regulations and make it easier for businesses to thrive.

Kamala Harris: Our focus is on creating well-paying, sustainable jobs for the future. By investing in clean energy, modern infrastructure, and innovation, we can build an economy that supports all Americans. We’re working to make sure no one is left behind, and that means supporting small businesses and creating new opportunities in emerging industries.

David Muir: Thank you both. Let’s move on to our next topic: Immigration and Border Security.

Immigration and Border Security

David Muir: Our next topic in tonight’s ABC Presidential Debate is Immigration and Border Security. This issue continues to divide the country, with different approaches to border control, national security, and how to manage immigration. Mr. Trump, immigration was a cornerstone of your previous administration. What changes would you make if you were elected again to handle the situation at the border?

Donald Trump: Thanks, David. Let me start by saying, when I was president, we had the most secure border in our nation’s history. We built hundreds of miles of wall, we enforced the law, and we made sure to protect American citizens. What we’ve seen under Harris and Biden is total chaos—millions of people pouring across the border, bringing drugs and crime. We need to finish the wall, bring back tough border enforcement, and stop the inflow of illegal immigration that’s hurting this country. We have to put America first again, and that starts with securing our borders.

David Muir: Vice President Harris, how do you respond to Mr. Trump’s claims that immigration policies under your administration have led to chaos at the border, and what is your approach to border security?

Kamala Harris: Thank you, David. Let me be clear: Mr. Trump’s “build-the-wall” approach is a 20th-century solution to a 21st-century problem. Immigration is complex and requires more than walls. We’ve been working to address the root causes of migration, particularly in Central America—things like poverty, violence, and corruption—so that people aren’t forced to flee their homes. At the same time, we are committed to a humane and secure border. That means smart security, using technology and better coordination at the border, and it also means providing a path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants who contribute to our economy and communities.

Donald Trump: Kamala, you’re talking about root causes, but that’s just an excuse for not fixing the problem. Under your administration, you’ve made it easier for people to come here illegally, and we’re seeing the results—crime, drugs, and an overwhelmed system. When I was in office, we had strong policies like 'Remain in Mexico' that worked. You got rid of it, and now look at the mess we’re in.

Kamala Harris: Mr. Trump, what you fail to mention is the human cost of your policies. Separating families, turning away asylum seekers—that’s not what America stands for. We need comprehensive immigration reform that not only secures our borders but also treats people with dignity. Our administration has worked on modernizing our border security with technology and addressing the legal pathways for people to come here. Your approach was cruel and ineffective.

David Muir: Let’s dig deeper into that. Mr. Trump, you’ve advocated for stricter policies, including building a wall and returning to measures like 'Remain in Mexico.' Do you believe those measures alone will solve the challenges we face at the border?

Donald Trump: Absolutely, David. The wall works, and anyone who says otherwise isn’t paying attention. When you have a strong barrier, you control who comes in and out. We need to finish the wall and make sure our border agents have the resources they need. Under my administration, we were deporting dangerous criminals and keeping our country safe. Now, the opposite is happening. We need law and order at the border.

Kamala Harris: Building walls won’t fix the long-term problem, Mr. Trump. Immigration is about more than just security—it’s about creating legal pathways, supporting asylum seekers, and addressing the economic factors that drive migration. Our administration is focused on a balanced approach: secure borders, yes, but also an immigration system that upholds our values and reflects the best of America. You had four years to fix it, and all we got was cruelty and division.

David Muir: Thank you both. Immigration remains one of the most polarizing issues in this election. Before we move on, I’d like to ask each of you to briefly summarize how your immigration policies would impact the average American family. Vice President Harris, we’ll start with you.

Kamala Harris: Our policies focus on creating a secure and humane immigration system that strengthens the economy. By addressing root causes, modernizing our borders, and providing a pathway to citizenship, we’re ensuring that immigrants contribute to our society while upholding American values. This benefits all American families by making our communities safer and stronger.

Donald Trump: The average American family is being hurt by the chaos at the border. Drugs, crime, and illegal immigration are tearing apart our communities. My policies will protect American families by securing the border, stopping the inflow of drugs, and ensuring that only those who come here legally are allowed to stay. It’s about protecting our citizens and putting America first.

David Muir: Thank you both. Now, let’s move on to our third topic: Healthcare and Social Security.

Healthcare and Social Security

David Muir: Now we turn to healthcare and Social Security, two crucial issues for Americans across the country. Healthcare costs continue to rise, and many are concerned about the future of Social Security. Vice President Harris, during your time in office, you’ve pushed for expanded healthcare access. What does your plan look like moving forward, and how would you ensure Social Security remains sustainable?

Kamala Harris: Thank you, David. Healthcare is a fundamental right, and our administration has made significant progress in expanding access. We lowered prescription drug prices and strengthened the Affordable Care Act. Going forward, I plan to create a public option so people have more choices for affordable healthcare. This competition will drive down costs for everyone. On Social Security, we are committed to protecting it for future generations. That means ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Under our administration, no one who relies on Social Security will see their benefits cut. We’ll strengthen the program to ensure that it remains sustainable without adding to the deficit.

David Muir: Mr. Trump, healthcare was a controversial issue during your presidency, especially surrounding the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Where do you stand now on healthcare reform, and what’s your approach to Social Security?

Donald Trump: Well, David, what we’ve seen under Harris and Biden is a disaster for healthcare. The Affordable Care Act is still broken, premiums are high, and people are losing access to doctors they trust. We need to repeal and replace it with something better. My plan focuses on private market solutions that increase competition and lower costs—giving people the freedom to choose their healthcare, not government-mandated plans. As for Social Security, I will protect it. Under my administration, there will be no cuts to Social Security or Medicare. We’ll grow the economy, create jobs, and that will keep Social Security strong for the future.

Kamala Harris: If I may, David. Mr. Trump wants to talk about repealing the Affordable Care Act again, but that’s what he tried to do when he was president, and it would have taken away healthcare from millions of Americans, especially those with pre-existing conditions. We cannot go back to a system where people are at the mercy of private insurers. My plan ensures that everyone can access affordable, quality care.

Donald Trump: Kamala, what you’re talking about is more government control. People don’t want government-run healthcare. They want choices. The ACA was a failure, and it’s hurting the middle class. What we need is a system that lets people pick their doctors, lowers premiums, and gives them the flexibility they deserve.

David Muir: Let’s focus for a moment on prescription drug prices. Vice President Harris, you’ve emphasized the importance of lowering these costs. How would your administration tackle this issue in a second term?

Kamala Harris: We’ve already made great strides by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which has helped lower costs for millions of seniors. But we need to go further. We will cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for price gouging. No one should have to choose between paying for their medications and paying for food or rent.

Donald Trump: I agree, we need to lower drug prices, and during my time in office, we made historic deals to bring those costs down. But under Harris and Biden, prices are still too high. The way to fix this is through the free market. We need to increase competition among drug companies and cut the red tape that’s keeping prices high. More government regulations aren’t the answer.

David Muir: Let’s also touch on Social Security, a vital program for millions of Americans. Mr. Trump, how would you ensure its sustainability without cutting benefits, and Vice President Harris, how would your administration protect it?

Donald Trump: David, it’s simple: We need to grow the economy. When the economy is strong, we generate the resources needed to fund Social Security without touching benefits. Under my administration, we’ll create jobs, boost wages, and that will secure Social Security for future generations. No cuts—just growth.

Kamala Harris: We also need to protect Social Security, but growing the economy alone won’t solve the problem. We need to ensure that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share to keep the program strong. My administration will protect Social Security and ensure that seniors receive the benefits they’ve earned. There will be no cuts, just stronger protections.

David Muir: Thank you both. Healthcare and Social Security remain vital issues for voters, and your contrasting approaches highlight the choices ahead. Let’s move on to our next topic: Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

David Muir: Let’s move on to our next topic: Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Crime rates and police reform have been major topics of debate, and both of you have differing views on how to tackle these issues. Mr. Trump, during your previous campaign and presidency, you often emphasized law and order. How would you address the current state of criminal justice in the U.S. if elected again?

Donald Trump: Thank you, David. Under my administration, we had strong law enforcement, and crime was going down across the country. What we’re seeing under Harris and Biden is chaos—violent crime is skyrocketing in cities run by Democrats. The police are underfunded and under attack. My plan is simple: we’re going to fully fund the police, bring back tough policies like stop-and-frisk, and make sure violent criminals face tough sentences. We’re going to stop the radical left from defunding the police and make our streets safe again. It’s about law and order, and that’s what we need.

David Muir: Vice President Harris, how do you respond to Mr. Trump’s stance on crime, and what is your plan for criminal justice reform and public safety?

Kamala Harris: Thank you, David. What Mr. Trump isn’t telling you is that his policies, like stop-and-frisk, were not only ineffective but also discriminatory, disproportionately targeting communities of color. We need a criminal justice system that is fair and just while keeping our communities safe. My administration will focus on police reform, accountability, and addressing the root causes of crime—poverty, mental health, and addiction. We need to fund community policing, improve training, and invest in programs that prevent crime before it happens. Our approach is about making sure law enforcement and communities work together to build trust and ensure public safety for everyone.

Donald Trump: Kamala talks a lot about fairness, but the truth is, people are scared. Crime is out of control, and people don’t feel safe walking down the streets, especially in cities like Chicago, Portland, and New York. What they want is strong law enforcement, not more talk about reforms. My policies worked. Under me, we had the lowest crime rates in decades. We need to stop coddling criminals and let the police do their jobs.

Kamala Harris: Mr. Trump, your “tough-on-crime” approach hurt communities and didn’t solve the root problems. Separating families and using harsh tactics didn’t make people safer in the long run. Our administration is focused on comprehensive reform—addressing gun violence, investing in mental health services, and holding law enforcement accountable. We’re making sure the system is fair for all Americans, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

David Muir: Mr. Trump, you’ve mentioned bringing back policies like stop-and-frisk, which were controversial and criticized for disproportionately targeting minorities. How do you respond to concerns that these tactics would lead to civil rights violations?

Donald Trump: Stop-and-frisk worked. It saved lives. The people who were most affected by violent crime were people in these communities. It’s about protecting them, not hurting them. We need to be tough on crime because the criminals are the ones doing the damage. My policies will keep everyone safe, not just certain groups. The Democrats want to weaken the police, and that’s why we’re seeing this chaos. We need to be strong, not weak.

Kamala Harris: The reality is, Mr. Trump’s policies didn’t solve the problem, they exacerbated it. When communities don’t trust the police, crime increases. That’s why our administration has focused on improving training, increasing transparency, and ensuring accountability. We believe in a balance: strong law enforcement alongside reforms that build trust and create safer, more united communities.

David Muir: Let’s talk about police accountability. Vice President Harris, you’ve been an advocate for reforming law enforcement practices. How would you ensure that police officers are held accountable for misconduct while also supporting the work they do to protect the public?

Kamala Harris: Accountability is key to building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. We’ve already made progress by mandating body cameras and expanding federal oversight of police departments with histories of misconduct. Moving forward, we will implement nationwide standards on the use of force, provide more de-escalation training, and reform qualified immunity so officers who engage in misconduct can be held accountable. But this isn’t about undermining the police—it’s about making the system work better for everyone, including officers themselves. When communities trust the police, everyone is safer.

Donald Trump: Kamala’s policies tie the hands of our police officers. They’re afraid to do their jobs because they’re worried about being sued or fired. We need to protect our officers and give them the tools they need to fight crime. We’re not going to let criminals take over our streets just because we’re afraid of being too tough. My administration will support the police 100% and make sure they have the resources they need to enforce the law and keep our cities safe.

David Muir: Before we move on, I’d like to ask you both how your policies on criminal justice would affect public safety in the long term. Vice President Harris?

Kamala Harris: Our policies focus on prevention. By addressing the root causes of crime, investing in education, job opportunities, and mental health services, we reduce the need for aggressive policing. When law enforcement and communities trust each other, crime goes down, and everyone is safer.

Donald Trump: My policies focus on law and order. We’re going to stop crime by enforcing the law, funding the police, and making sure criminals know there are consequences for their actions. That’s how you create long-term safety—through strength.

David Muir: Thank you both. Let’s move on to our final topic: Foreign Policy and Global Leadership.

Foreign Policy and Global Leadership

David Muir: Let’s turn to our final topic of the night: Foreign Policy and Global Leadership. Both of you have had significant experience dealing with international affairs. Mr. Trump, during your presidency, you emphasized an "America First" foreign policy. How would you approach America’s role in global affairs if elected again?

Donald Trump: Thank you, David. Under my leadership, America was strong, respected, and independent. We didn’t get involved in endless wars, and we brought jobs and manufacturing back to our country. I made sure that our allies paid their fair share, and we stood up to our adversaries—whether it was China, Iran, or North Korea. We got out of bad deals, like the Paris Climate Accord, and made better deals, like the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. If I’m elected again, I’ll continue to put America first. We’ll stop China from taking advantage of us, and we’ll make sure that no one messes with the U.S. We’re going to rebuild our military and make sure our enemies know we mean business.

David Muir: Vice President Harris, what is your vision for America’s role on the global stage, and how does it differ from Mr. Trump’s "America First" approach?

Kamala Harris: Thank you, David. America is strongest when we lead with our values—democracy, human rights, and cooperation. Our administration has worked to rebuild relationships with our allies, strengthen NATO, and re-engage in global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. We’ve shown that America can lead by example—whether it’s fighting climate change, standing up for democracy around the world, or supporting global health efforts. My vision is about making sure America leads through diplomacy, not division. We’ll continue to hold adversaries like China and Russia accountable, but we’ll do it by working with our allies, not by alienating them. Our strength comes from our ability to bring people together, not push them away.

Donald Trump: Kamala talks about diplomacy, but under Harris and Biden, we’ve seen weakness. China is taking advantage of us, and our allies don’t respect us anymore. Look at what happened in Afghanistan—total chaos. The world is laughing at us. When I was president, our enemies knew not to mess with us, and our allies knew we meant business. We need strength, not more talk. We need to put America first again.

Kamala Harris: Mr. Trump, the chaos in Afghanistan was the result of a 20-year war that needed to end. Our administration made a tough decision to bring our troops home, and we’re focused on diplomacy and supporting our veterans. And as for China, your trade wars hurt American farmers and consumers. We need to hold China accountable, but we need to do it in a way that protects American workers and businesses, not through reckless tariffs that backfire on our own economy.

David Muir: Let’s talk more about China. Mr. Trump, you’ve been critical of the current administration’s approach to China. How would you handle the U.S.-China relationship in a second term? And Vice President Harris, how would you maintain a balance between competition and cooperation with China?

Donald Trump: David, we need to be tough with China. When I was in office, I put tariffs on Chinese goods and brought jobs back to America. We need to hold China accountable for stealing our intellectual property and manipulating their currency. We were energy independent under my leadership, and that gave us leverage over China. If China keeps taking advantage of us, we’ll hit them with tougher sanctions. We can’t let them surpass us economically or militarily. I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.

Kamala Harris: Being tough on China is important, but we have to be smart about it. That’s why we’ve worked with our allies to hold China accountable on issues like unfair trade practices, cybersecurity, and climate change. We’re investing in American innovation, clean energy, and manufacturing to ensure we stay competitive globally. China is a competitor, but they’re also a partner on certain issues, like global health and climate change. We need to be strong, but we also need to engage diplomatically when necessary. That’s how we protect American interests without isolating ourselves.

Donald Trump: Kamala, your policies are too soft. We don’t need more climate deals with China—we need to stop them from ripping us off. We need to be strong, not worry about making friends. China knows that under Trump, they can’t push us around.

David Muir: Let’s move on to the Middle East. Mr. Trump, you’ve often pointed to the Abraham Accords as one of your major foreign policy achievements. How would you continue to address the challenges in the Middle East?

Donald Trump: The Abraham Accords were historic, David. We brought peace to the Middle East—something no one thought could happen. We moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and we stood with Israel. What we need to do now is continue to support our allies, especially Israel, and make sure Iran doesn’t get nuclear weapons. The deal Harris and Biden are talking about with Iran is weak. We need to be strong on Iran, and we need to make sure the Middle East stays stable.

Kamala Harris: The Abraham Accords were a step forward, but we also need to engage with all the actors in the region to work toward a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. As for Iran, we are committed to preventing them from acquiring nuclear weapons, but we’re doing it through diplomacy, not by walking away from international agreements. We’ve strengthened our alliances in the Middle East and continue to support Israel while working to end the suffering in Gaza. We need a balanced approach—strong defense, yes, but also smart diplomacy.

David Muir: Let’s close with this: How do you see America’s role in global leadership evolving over the next decade? Mr. Trump, we’ll start with you.

Donald Trump: America needs to be strong, respected, and independent. We don’t need to be in endless wars, but we do need to protect our interests. Under my leadership, we won’t be the world’s policeman, but we will be the world’s leader. We’ll put America first, protect our borders, our economy, and our people. That’s what global leadership looks like—strength and success.

Kamala Harris: America is strongest when we lead with our values. Over the next decade, we need to focus on the challenges of the 21st century—like climate change, cybersecurity, and public health. We’ll build strong alliances, stand up for human rights, and ensure that America remains a beacon of hope and leadership in the world. That’s how we secure our future, by leading with our principles.

David Muir: Thank you both for your time and your perspectives tonight. That concludes our ABC Presidential Debate. We hope this has helped clarify where both candidates stand on the key issues facing our country.

Short Bios:

Donald Trump: Donald Trump is a businessman, television personality, and the 45th President of the United States, known for his America First policies and outspoken style. Running again in 2024, Trump is focused on returning to the White House.

Kamala Harris: Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States, a former U.S. Senator, and California's Attorney General. Known for her legal background and progressive policies, she is running for the presidency in 2024.

David Muir: David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the anchor of ABC's World News Tonight. Known for his calm demeanor and in-depth reporting, Muir has covered major global events and interviews with world leaders. With years of experience moderating high-stakes interviews and debates, Muir brings professionalism and fairness to every discussion, making him an ideal moderator for presidential debates.