**Democrats Express Optimism Following Trump-Harris Debate** House Democrats are feeling buoyed by the recent debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with many expressing their satisfaction over the discussions that took place. They believe that the event highlighted a stark contrast between the two parties, particularly in terms of values and priorities. Democratic leaders are particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming gubernatorial campaign of Tim Walz, who they believe will effectively demonstrate that Democrats are committed to serving the needs of the people. In contrast, they argue that Republicans under Trump's leadership are out of touch and exhibit eccentric behavior that alienates voters. Overall, the sentiment among House Democrats is one of hope and determination as they look to capitalize on the momentum generated by the debate and the upcoming elections.

**Wednesday Briefing: Trump Takes the Bait in a Debate That Could Shift the Presidential Race** Good morning. If you felt a sense of dread on June 28 when Joe Biden delivered a baffling debate performance, you might find yourself more optimistic today. Just hours ago, the only scheduled debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris concluded, and even Fox News declared Harris the winner. The mood among Democrats likely brightened further with the news that Taylor Swift endorsed Harris, humorously signing her post as “childless cat lady.” A CNN snap poll indicated that voters believed Harris won the debate by a significant margin of 63% to 37%, a gap reminiscent of Trump’s previous victory over Biden. A key factor in Harris’ success was her ability to provoke Trump into rants about less relevant topics, diverting attention from the issues that matter most to voters. In other news, Members of Parliament have voted to restrict the winter fuel allowance to only the poorest pensioners in England and Wales. Just one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, supported the opposition motion, while 52 others chose to abstain, exceeding earlier predictions. In the Conservative Party, Mel Stride has been eliminated from the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader after the second round of voting among MPs. Stride's departure marks the second loss in the ongoing leadership contest, which is set to conclude in early November. On the international front, Israeli airstrikes on the al-Mawasi “humanitarian zone” in the Gaza Strip have reportedly resulted in at least 19 fatalities and injured around 60 individuals, according to witnesses and medical officials in the area. In the UK steel industry, the Port Talbot steelworks is facing the prospect of 2,500 job cuts, with additional layoffs anticipated across the country. The government is preparing a taxpayer-backed rescue deal worth £500 million for the south Wales plant, owned by Tata Steel. Lastly, an inquest into the death of a man who took his own life shortly after appearing on The Jeremy Kyle Show found “insufficient evidence” to conclude that his participation in the program contributed to his death. Stay informed as these stories develop.

In a recent debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis received praise for their ability to keep the candidates focused and on-topic. The debate, which marked the first face-off between the two presidential contenders, could have easily devolved into a chaotic exchange filled with unchallenged statements and off-topic discussions. However, Muir and Davis effectively managed the conversation, ensuring that both candidates adhered to the timing agreements and maintained a civil discourse. The moderators faced the challenging task of enforcing the debate rules, which had been meticulously negotiated over several weeks. With both candidates nearly tied in the polls, the stakes were high, and the moderators' role was crucial in facilitating a meaningful discussion. Throughout the debate, Muir and Davis not only guided the candidates but also fact-checked Trump in real-time, addressing inaccuracies and keeping the dialogue grounded. Their efforts contributed to a more structured and informative debate, allowing viewers to gain clearer insights into the candidates' positions and arguments.

In their inaugural face-to-face debate, Donald Trump returned to familiar strategies and rhetoric, while Kamala Harris concentrated on policy issues, highlighting the contrasting visions they have for the future of America. The debate showcased their differing approaches, with Trump leaning on his established talking points and Harris emphasizing her policy proposals. This encounter marked a significant moment in the 2024 election cycle, illustrating the divergent paths each candidate envisions for the nation.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are set to face off in a pivotal presidential debate on Tuesday night, marking their first and potentially only encounter before the November election. With both candidates currently polling closely, this debate is viewed as a critical moment in the 2024 campaign. Vice President Harris is expected to use the 90-minute debate to elaborate on her campaign promises and position herself as a distinct candidate from President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign is aiming for a more upbeat portrayal of the former president during the debate. The debate will follow specific rules: there will be no opening statements, and each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements. They will stand behind podiums throughout the event, and the use of props or prewritten notes is prohibited. Additionally, candidates will not receive any topics or questions in advance, and they will not be allowed to ask each other questions.