Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris sparred over various hot-button issues Tuesday night in the first and only presidential debate before the November election. The topics ranged from the economy, foreign conflicts and immigration to abortion and Alabama's recent court rulings on in vitro fertilization.

"I've been a leader on IVF," Trump said well into the debate in response to accusations from Harris. "… In fact, when they got a very negative decision on IVF from the Alabama courts, I saw the people of Alabama and the legislature, two days later, vote it in. They know that, and everybody else knows it."

Trump pressed Harris on her record as border czar and handling of the immigration crisis and ended by asking why she hadn't already enacted her proposed fixes for America as she serves in the current administration.

Many Alabama leaders praised Trump's debate performance, declaring him the clear winner over his Democrat opponent.

"Donald Trump won this debate and he did it while debating Kamala Harris and the two moderators," U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said on X, referring also to the perceived bias toward Harris shown by ABC's moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

"Kamala Harris' policies are horrible, and it turns out her debate skills are as well," Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said. "She will destroy America. Wake up, and Vote Trump who will bring back our economy."

Attorney General Steve Marshall said on X, "What we heard tonight presented two stark differences for the future of this Country. America is at a crossroads, and for us to reach our full potential, we must have a bold leader like Donald Trump in the White House."

Both Gov. Kay Ivey and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said they are looking forward to the November 5 election and believe Trump is the best candidate for the job over Harris.

"No surprise that Kamala Harris didn't answer whether she thinks Americans are better off now than they were four years ago," Britt said. "But that's the question voters will answer on November 5."

"Donald Trump has a proven track record: a booming economy, secured Southern Border, safe communities and peace abroad," Ivey said. "November 5th can't be here soon enough!"

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville disputed several claims Harris made during the debate about illegal immigration, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and Ukraine policy.

To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on X and Facebook.

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