The Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump and the candidate for the presidency of the United States from the Democratic Party and Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris shook hands at the beginning of the presidential debate between them in the city of Philadelphia, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
The debate takes place eight weeks before the US presidential election on November 5 and just days before early voting begins in some states.
The debate, which is the only one scheduled between Trump and Harris so far and which is broadcast live on television, is both an opportunity and a risk for both presidential candidates.
The verbal clash between the two candidates began with a discussion of economic issues. Harris attacked Trump's intention to impose high tariffs on foreign goods, a measure she said would adversely affect the purchasing power of the middle class. The Democratic candidate noted that her economic plan includes tax cuts for households.
"Donald Trump has left us with the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. We've dealt with Donald Trump's mess," Kamala Harris said.
Trump said that during the administration of President Joe Biden in the United States there was high inflation.
The former president quickly turned to one of the key topics for his election campaign - the topic of immigration. He said that many people from prisons and mental institutions were admitted to the US.