Cela Harris and Donald Trump faced off in Philadelphia during their first debate hosted by ABC News the presidential debate between vice president Cela Harris and former president Donald Trump has concluded the matchup began with a handshake but descended into acrimony as the candidates traded barbs over the economy immigration abortion National Security and more what else to know Trump unexpectedly appeared in the spin room where the candidates have surrogates talking up their performances to reporters Democrats in the room seemed pleased with Harris's performance Harris and Trump repeatedly made comments after their microphones were muted here's the side conversation you couldn't hear on TV the candidates faced off on multiple foreign policy issues including the US withdrawal from Afghanistan a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza and the war in Ukraine Harris and Trump discussed the economy at length Trump placed emphasis on a period of sharp inflation that has now eased but has many Americans still reeling Harris focused on the future touting her plan to build what she's called an opportunity economy another topic of focus abortion rights