Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both declare winners after first debate

It was the first night that Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off on stage for a debate, covering topics ranging from the border and immigration to women’s rights and the economy, and both candidates declared victory throughout the evening.

The highly anticipated debate came after campaigns argued over whether the Sept. 10 showdown would happen and what rules would apply to each candidate.

Polls released this week show that the race for the White House could not get any closer, with national surveys showing a dead heat between the candidates. In a Pew Research Center poll released Monday, Harris and Trump each have 49 percent of support among registered voters. The poll’s margin of error is 1.3 percent. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday also showed a close race, with Trump leading Harris 48 percent to 47 percent among likely voters.

After the debate, each candidate sent out a press release, the full text of which is as follows:

Trump’s team introduced theirs before the end of the debate, declaring victory, saying:

“President Trump delivered a masterful performance in the debate tonight, continuing Kamala Harris’ dismal record of failure that has harmed Americans over the past four years.

“We watched President Trump lay out his bold vision for America and how he would continue to build on the successes of his first term by boosting the economy, securing the border, and stopping crime from devastating communities across the country.

“In contrast, Kamala’s vision of America was a grim reminder of the oppressive, government-driven policies of Joe Biden that she wanted to continue. High inflation, a porous border that allows criminals and terrorists to pass through, and a soft-on-crime attitude: that’s what Kamala represents.

“The choice could not be clearer: President Trump is the clear winner tonight, and he will win for America when he returns to the White House.”

— Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, Trump campaign advisers

Harris’ team sent out the following shortly after the debate:

“Tonight, Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every issue that matters to the American people. Americans saw exactly what kind of president Kamala Harris will be: someone who will provide a new path for our country, who will be a president for all Americans, and who will once and for all turn the page on the darkness and division of Donald Trump. And she reminded the American people that she is the only candidate in this race ready to serve as our next commander in chief.

“Donald Trump was completely incoherent. He was angry and shaken, and it all started when Vice President Harris held him accountable for his record of overturning Roe v. Wade and hurting women across the country. Trump refused to say he would veto a national abortion ban. He again said he had no regrets about January 6th. And in case you missed it, through the countless lies he spouted on stage tonight, Trump offered no plan for the everyday needs of Americans, saying he alone had “concepts” for a plan. That’s because Trump’s only real plan is Project 2025, which would raise costs for the middle class and set America back.

“In the spotlight, the American people saw the choice they will face at the ballot box this fall: move forward with Kamala Harris or move backward with Trump. That’s what they saw tonight and what they should see in a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump, too?”

— Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris-Walz campaign chair

Follow Newsweek’s live blog for updates on the presidential debate.

Vice presidential candidates Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota will participate in a debate hosted by CBS on October 1. No other debates are scheduled between Harris and Trump. The first debate was between Trump and President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the race in mid-July after concerns about his mental capacity resurfaced following his lackluster performance and Harris ultimately took the Democratic lead.