Donald Trump brought up a Kamala Harris meme while participating in the second presidential debate for the 2024 election.
This debate, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10, marked the first in-person meeting between Trump and Harris. Topics ranged from abortion to the economy of the United States.
Despite a protocol that microphones would be turned off whenever a different candidate was speaking, both Trump and Harris were heard speaking over each other at various times, even when their microphones were supposed to be muted.
At one point, Trump accused Harris of supporting the defunding of police, to which Harris could be heard responding “not true” despite her microphone being off.
In response, Trump said: “I’m talking now. If you don’t mind. Please. Does that sound familiar?”
The remark from Trump seemed to invoke a Harris quote from the 2020 presidential election.
Back in October 2020, during a vice presidential debate, Harris was interrupted by then Vice President Mike Pence while discussing coronavirus. She retorted: “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.”
Her comeback quickly went viral and turned into a meme.
Tonight’s debate saw Trump seemingly reference that meme, and social media users took note. “He’s trying to be her,” one Twitter user commented.
In contrast to the first 2024 debate where Trump and President Joe Biden did not shake hands, Harris and Trump did shake hands tonight. Harris introduced herself, saying, “Let’s have a good debate,” to which Trump responded, “Nice to see you. Have fun.”
In July, Biden exited the presidential race, stating, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
He continued, “I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.”
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
Shortly after releasing his statement, Biden announced his “full support and endorsement” for Harris as the Democratic party’s nominee moving forward.