"RhetoricThe art of persuasion. is the art of ruling the minds of men," PlatoOne of the most important Ancient Greek philosophers.  once said. In the first - and possibly the only - head-to-head debate between presidential candidates Kamala HarrisUS Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's running mate. If elected, she will be the first female vice president of the USA. and Donald TrumpAn American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020. He is running to be president again in 2024. , both sought to capture the minds of prospective voters. But who came out on top?

Harris' tagline was in constant use: "We are not going back." She painted a picture of an America looking to move forward. Meanwhile, Trump turned to repetition of his classic untruths and misrepresentations.

He accused HaitianFrom Haiti, a country in the Caribbean Sea. Haiti was the world's first Black-led republic when it became independent from French control and got rid of slavery. immigrants in OhioA Midwestern US state, with a population of nearly 12 million. of "eating the dogs", claimed that Harris "wants to do transgenderSomeone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology). operations on illegal aliensUsed to describe immigrants who have moved into a country illegally, or without the required documents and authorisation. that are in prison", and alleged that the Democrats support aborting babies after they have already been born.

In the past, his colourful and divisive claims were capable of causing strong emotion. But after so many years, some think they have lost their shine. He had to be reminded more than once that he was not running against President Joe BidenThe president of the USA, elected in 2020..

The debate also touched on reproductive rights, Russia's war in UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. and the war in GazaThe smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt. . On her more vulnerable issues such as inflationAn increase in the price of goods in an economy. , Gaza and the border, Harris was much quieter.

So who was the winner? One notable name was convinced by Harris' performance. Superstar Taylor Swift endorsedA public statement or action showing that you support somebody/something. the Democrat, describing her as a "steady-handed, gifted leader".

The pollsWhen people are asked what their opinion is on a certain topic or who they are voting for in an election. are on Harris' side too. Polling averages are showing a slim +2.8-point lead for Harris over Trump. But there is by no means agreement. A poll released yesterday by The New York Times and Siena College found Trump leading Harris 48 to 47%.¹

Harris argued for "building on the aspirations and hopes of the American people"; Trump created a vision of apocalypseA Christian name for the end of the world. Descended from a Greek word meaning uncover, it was used to describe the Biblical book of Revelation. and World War. But will hope win out?

Is it all over for Trump?

Yes: Last night, Harris proved what will make her a notable president. She is cool-headed in the face of Trump's showing off.

No: The polls show that Trump and Harris are still neck and neck. Calling it for either of them at this point is sheer complacencyFeeling of satisfaction with your own work that stops you from trying harder. , especially after the failure of the polls in the 2016 election.

Or... Trump thrives when he can depict himself as an underdog. If the mainstream media and public figures come out in favour of Harris too early, he may be able to claw it back under the radar.