Historic Handshake: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Meet for the First Time—What Happened Next?

In a notable moment from their first televised debate, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for the first time. The debate commenced with Harris approaching Trump and extending her hand for a handshake. This gesture has been rare in recent political showdowns, especially since Trump’s last run as the Republican candidate in 2016.

CNN reported that Harris made the overture at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where Trump accepted the handshake. This was a departure from the previous debate between Trump and President Joe Biden last June, which lacked such personal gestures. Peter Spiegel of the Financial Times remarked on the significance of Harris’s gesture, noting its rarity since Trump began his presidential campaigns in 2016.

Analysts highlighted that this debate marked the first direct encounter between Harris and Trump. Axios noted that despite their extensive presence on the national stage for over a decade, they had never met in person. Harris confirmed in a June interview with Jimmy Kimmel and again to CNN after securing the Democratic nomination that she had never previously met Trump. During Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, Harris, then a California senator, was involved in Trump’s first impeachment trial. Yet, their paths never crossed at other significant events, including funerals of prominent figures or Biden’s 2021 inauguration.

In their first face-to-face encounter, Harris and Trump appeared in familiar attire. Harris opted for a composed look in a white blouse and black suit, while Trump sported his signature navy suit and red tie.

The debate, which started with policy-focused discussions on the economy, immigration, and abortion, saw both candidates reiterate familiar campaign points. The effectiveness of their communication within the two-minute response time was a key factor. Hosted by ABC, the debate lasted 90 minutes without a live studio audience. Despite this, both the Democratic and Republican parties organized watch parties nationwide to rally support. At a Democratic watch party in Harlem, New York, attendees expressed their disapproval with boos as Trump addressed topics like immigration and crime.