By Smartencyclopedia
The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took center stage not only in the U.S. but across the globe, with key moments scrutinized by international observers. Held in Philadelphia, the debate highlighted tensions on foreign policy, with each candidate laying out their approach to issues like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Middle East.
Kremlin Focuses on Mentions of Putin
Kamala Harris didn’t hold back during the debate, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin “a dictator who would eat you for lunch” when addressing Donald Trump. While this phrase doesn’t exist in Russian, Moscow took note of the jab, reflecting on how U.S. politics often involves their leader.
Trump, on the other hand, avoided a direct answer when asked if he wants Ukraine to win its war against Russia, merely stating, “I want the war to stop.” Harris’s more assertive approach—calling for Ukraine’s “righteous defense”—contrasted starkly with Trump’s, making waves in both Kyiv and Moscow.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, later expressed frustration, accusing U.S. politicians of using Putin’s name as a tool in their internal political battles. However, Putin’s earlier comments, where he jokingly backed Harris, were clarified on Russian state television as “slightly ironic.” Despite the humor, Harris’s remarks on Putin’s intentions in Europe raised concerns in Moscow.
Ukraine Nervous About Trump’s Remarks
In Ukraine, Donald Trump’s refusal to support a Ukrainian victory intensified concerns about what his potential second term might bring. Many in Kyiv are wary that Trump’s claim he could end the conflict in 24 hours could result in a deal unfavorable to Ukraine.
Harris, in contrast, reassured Ukrainians of her unwavering support. She claimed credit for sharing intelligence with President Zelensky ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion and suggested that Trump’s policies would have led to a swift Russian occupation of Kyiv. Despite these significant statements, there has been no official response from Ukraine’s leadership, with President Zelensky only vaguely hinting in previous interviews at the difficulties a Trump presidency might pose.
“Abdul” Memes Sparked by Trump’s Taliban Remarks
America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan was another contentious issue in the debate. Harris defended the decision to pull out, while Trump, in his characteristic style, spoke of having tough talks with “Abdul,” referring to Abdul Ghani Baradar, a leader involved in the peace talks. Though Baradar never led the Taliban, Trump’s remarks prompted a flood of memes across social media, as people wondered, “Who is Abdul?”
The chaotic end of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan was a significant point of contention between the two candidates, though both avoided diving into the deeper complexities of the botched withdrawal. Trump’s focus on his deal with the Taliban—framing it as a straightforward exit strategy—led to a sharp contrast in how the two approached the situation.
Beijing’s Concerns Over Harris’s China Policies
Kamala Harris remains somewhat of an unknown figure to Chinese leadership. During the debate, she reaffirmed her belief that the U.S. would win its competition with China, while Trump’s policies, including the imposition of heavy tariffs, were seen as unpredictable and damaging to both economies.
While Harris did not elaborate much on her approach to China, her statements offered little reassurance to Beijing. President Xi Jinping has recently pushed for stability between the two powers, wary of what either candidate might bring to U.S.-China relations. For China, Harris represents uncertainty, while Trump is seen as a wildcard, making the country’s leadership anxious about either outcome in the upcoming election.
Middle East Divides Over Trump and Harris
The debate was also watched closely in the Middle East, where Trump’s comments about Israel sparked strong reactions. He claimed that Israel might not survive if Harris becomes president, echoing similar sentiments from his previous terms.
In Israel, some of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s critics suspect he is waiting for a potential Trump win to push for more favorable terms in peace negotiations, especially with the ongoing war in Gaza. Harris’s stance, which suggests she may be more critical of Israel than Biden, has further fueled speculation.
Palestinians, disillusioned by U.S. foreign policy under both Trump and Biden, are watching the race with cautious optimism, noting Harris’s commitment to Palestinian statehood, a position Trump has long opposed.
Hungary Cheers Trump’s Praise for Orban
Donald Trump also garnered attention in Hungary, where he lavished praise on Prime Minister Viktor Orban, calling him “one of the most respected men” and a “strong man.” Hungarian pro-government media quickly hailed this as a major endorsement, while Orban’s critics raised alarms.
Hungary’s leadership, especially Orban’s political director Balazs Orban, has been vocal in supporting Trump’s return to power, believing he would end the war in Ukraine and bring peace to the region, even without European involvement.
Conclusion
As the U.S. presidential race heats up, the world is watching closely, with leaders in Moscow, Beijing, Kyiv, and beyond closely scrutinizing each candidate’s foreign policy positions. The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has left international observers with much to consider as they weigh the potential impact of either candidate’s presidency on global affairs.