Kamala Harris effectively baited Donald Trump throughout their 1 hour and 45-minute debate on Tuesday night, and Trump responded vigorously.

Harris, having prepared thoroughly, aimed to provoke Trump with sharp comments and criticisms. She accused him of being ridiculed by world leaders and labeled him a "disgrace" to military leaders. Harris also pointed out that Trump had been rejected by 81 million voters in the 2020 election, suggesting he was struggling to come to terms with this defeat.

Trump frequently appeared agitated and uncontrollable, repeatedly asserting false claims, including allegations of widespread election fraud and bizarre conspiracy theories about immigrants eating pets. He also misrepresented Democratic positions on abortion, despite clear refutations.

In discussing the state of the nation, Trump painted a bleak picture reminiscent of his earlier "American carnage" rhetoric, claiming the country was in decline.

As the debate concluded, Harris gained additional attention when pop star Taylor Swift endorsed the Democratic ticket on Instagram, a move that highlighted her support for Harris and criticized Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance.

Harris approached the debate with a strategic focus on unsettling Trump. Her remarks about his legal troubles and the failed immigration bill effectively drew Trump into tangential arguments. When Harris criticized the dullness of Trump’s rallies, he seemed especially provoked, shifting his focus away from substantive issues.

Trump, for his part, often diverted the debate to tangential claims and conspiracy theories, such as migrants allegedly eating pets, and disparaged Harris’ criticisms. Despite moderator David Muir’s attempts to steer the discussion back to relevant topics, Trump remained fixated on his grievances.

The debate showcased stark contrasts on key issues like abortion. Harris, a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, countered Trump’s defense of his abortion policies with powerful arguments about real-life consequences for women, while Trump clung to outdated and inaccurate claims.

Throughout the debate, Harris framed Trump as self-serving and lacking a concrete plan for the American people, contrasting this with her own proposed policies. She criticized Trump for prioritizing his own defense over addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

Their initial handshake set a formal tone for their meeting, with Trump generally maintaining a forward gaze while Harris used facial expressions to communicate her reactions. Harris responded to Trump’s personal attacks by highlighting his history of racial discrimination, rather than engaging directly with his disparaging comments about her identity.

On global issues, both candidates offered limited plans. Harris spoke about the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, while Trump criticized her stance and claimed he could have prevented current conflicts. Similarly, Trump’s remarks on Ukraine focused on his own relationship with Putin and suggested that the situation would be resolved if he were president, while Harris accused Trump of being easily manipulated by authoritarian leaders.

Overall, the debate highlighted deep divisions between the candidates, with Harris focusing on Trump’s personal failings and policy shortcomings, while Trump clung to familiar grievances and conspiracy theories.