This first debate between the two contenders for the White House seemed almost surreal visually, with the Republican candidate exuding nothing but aggression in a defensive mode, continuing with completely disjointed and clumsy responses throughout. Clearly, debating with a woman of color, who also has a solid background, is an impossible task for Trump. He appeared intellectually and rhetorically unsettled.

Kamala Harris, well-prepared and deeply familiar with her files, had no trouble trapping Trump and exposing his total inability to respond coherently. He was even incapable of remembering what was in his 2025 project, instead resorting to absurd evasions. On the other hand, Kamala Harris, point by point, successfully developed all her campaign topics, whether economic, social, or geopolitical. She cornered Trump on the topic of abortion, detailing how Trump had been disqualified by the military and other personalities, including former senior Republican officials, who now support Harris.

Kamala Harris’s intelligence was evident as she wisely waited until the end of the debate to address Trump’s legal issues, which had two advantages. First, by not attacking him on this subject from the outset, she maintained her role as a candidate. Second, she almost resumed her prosecutor role toward the end of the debate, finishing Trump off, as he continued to drown in incoherent statements when faced with her arguments.

As usual, when things don’t go Trump’s way, he cries conspiracy, claiming that the journalists on the panel favored Kamala Harris and demanding that the next debate take place on the Republican network, Fox. However, from our perspective, this won’t change much, as the qualitative gap between the two candidates is vast.

To make matters worse for Trump, Taylor Swift announced her support for Kamala Harris (read the article here). The candidate, in desperation, said he would make Taylor Swift pay for it (read the article here).

After such a debate and these latest comments, it’s hard to imagine Trump returning to the White House, especially since Taylor Swift is followed by millions of fans whom she influences greatly. If we add Swift’s choice to that of the former Republican representatives now supporting Kamala Harris, the wind seems to be shifting in favor of the Democrats. Even though there are still many months of campaigning ahead, with only the Trump/Vance duo to offer, the Republicans increasingly present a dusty, loud image, while Harris remains a smooth, smiling candidate who speaks of solutions and the future…

Thierry De Clemensat

Editor in chief

Bayou Blue Radio/ Bayou Blue News.