Kamala Harris Extends Her Hand to Donald Trump in Viral Moment from Their First-Ever Meeting at Presidential Debate

Mar. 15, 2025

Vice PresidentKamala Harrisextended her hand first to former presidentDonald Trumpduring their first presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The debate also marked the first time the two candidates have ever met.

The Democratic and Republic nominees took the podium at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to discuss a wide range of campaign topics, from immigration to the economy to abortion.

Harris, 59, and Trump, 78, entered the stage at the same time, with Harris crossing over the median between the two lecterns and extending her hand first.

“Kamala Harris,” she said shaking Trump’s hand. “Let’s have a good debate.”

“Nice to see you,” Trump replied, shaking her hand and adding, “Have fun.”

Trump skipped PresidentJoe Bidenand Harris' inauguration in 2021, which would have been the natural time for the two to meet.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024.SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

He and Biden did not shake hands during their debate on June 27. Biden was the Democratic nominee at the time beforedropping out of the race on July 21and endorsing Harris after his unsteady performance in the debate.

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The debate ended with each candidate giving closing statements and then Muir and Davis signing off. Harris and Trump did not shake hands at the end of the debate, instead walking off stage as the lights dimmed.

After the debate wrapped, the Harris campaign called for a second debate. Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance will have their own debate on Oct. 1.

source: people.com