With the 2024 presidential election in full swing, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump had their first presidential debate on Sept. 10. While the debate covered a wide range of topics, here are some key takeaways applicable to college students.

Economy

Harris spoke about a significant tax cut, including an estimated cut of about $6,000 for families, which would primarily benefit middle-class Americans. Within her plan, she also explained that she would be giving a tax deduction to startup small businesses ranging around $50,000.

In his rebuttal, Trump explained that he would focus on implementing tariffs on other countries. He proposed a 10% tariff on all imported goods and a 60% tariff on goods specifically from China, according to NBC. These tariffs would directly correlate to the decline in inflation while boosting American industries. His plan also entails cutting taxes significantly.

Abortion

Harris, while speaking on abortion, pledged that once Congress passes a bill reinstating Roe v. Wade, she would “proudly” sign it into law. She claimed it was “immoral” to have abortion bans within the states, alongside other similar laws, such as imprisonment for getting an abortion, criminalizing doctors for performing abortions and not allowing women to have a choice over their bodies.

While following the 10th Amendment, Trump focused on turning the issue of abortion back to the states. When questioned about the six-week ban, a law passed by some states banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, he showed support, saying he would be “doing that vote.” He did make it clear that he is not in favor of placing an abortion ban on all of the states, and he does believe there should be exceptions for cases concerning “rape, incest and life of the mother.”

Immigration and border security

As president of the Senate, Harris referenced her support for a recently created border security bill. This bill would have sent almost 1,500 border agents to the border to assist current workers who are working overtime. The bill would also give the government more “resources to allow (them) to prosecute transnational criminal organizations for trafficking in guns, drugs and human beings.” She explained that she would also like to regulate the “flow of fentanyl” through border security.

Trump, when questioned about his policies regarding immigration, claimed that crime in the United States has significantly increased because of the higher numbers of migrants in the country. He credited this increase in migrants to the lenient border regulations of the Biden administration supported by Harris. Therefore, he hopes to utilize the local police to gain more control over undocumented immigrants.

Israel/Hamas conflict

When addressing the conflict between Hamas and Israel, Harris claimed a cease-fire would be necessary in order to release all hostages on both sides. In her two-state solution, which would allow statehood for both Israel and Palestine, she hoped to find security for both the Israeli people and Palestinians and, in turn, help rebuild Gaza. As for the dispute with Russia and Ukraine, she claimed to have supported Ukraine through “air defense, the ammunition, the artillery, the javelins (and) the Abrams tanks.”

If he becomes the president-elect, Trump stated that he would get the war between Ukraine and Russia to end and would accomplish this goal before even becoming president. He expressed his concerns about “playing with World War 3” and claimed he would start negotiating early to bring all of the leaders together.

Healthcare

Harris’ primary goal was to “maintain and grow the Affordable Care Act.” She believes healthcare is a right and should not just be considered a privilege.

As stated previously, Trump has concepts of a plan to change the Affordable Care Act. While these specific plans have not been released yet, he does claim to push for a plan that will “cost our people, our population less money.” He plans to replace the Affordable Care Act eventually.

Currently, there are no more presidential debates planned. Both potential vice presidential candidates have agreed to their debate, which will be broadcast on Oct. 1 and hosted by CBS News.

The 2024 presidential election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5.