Europe’s media crowns Harris winner of debate against Trump

Kamala Harris thrashed Donald Trump in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential debate, according to Europe’s most prominent media outlets.

Europe’s press was stunned in June by then-Democratic candidate and current President Joe Biden’s shaky performance against Trump, a display which precipitated Biden’s exit from the the race. He was replaced by Harris, the vice president.

But this time, it was Trump’s rambling, lackluster showing, in which he was repeatedly baited by Harris into going off script, which earned him criticism.

“Kamala Harris corners Donald Trump in a high-tension debate,” Spanish newspaper El País declared.

Italian news agency ANSA ran a similar headline: “Harris corners Trump, ‘Putin will eat you,’” referring to a standout moment in the debate when Harris accused Trump of being manipulated by the Russian leader.

In an analysis piece, British newspaper The Times concluded that Trump was “flailing by the end” of the debate.

French newspaper Le Monde was more diplomatic, writing: “Democratic candidate on the offensive puts former Republican president in difficulty.”

Polish news website Onet led with Harris’ comments on Poland. During a dramatic moment, Harris stated that if Trump were president, “Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland.”

“Kamala Harris’ Strong Words to Donald Trump: You Would Give Poland Away,” Onet’s debate recap read.

Among the most eyebrow-raising moments in the debate was when Trump repeated a widely debunked claim that illegal immigrants were eating people’s pets in Ohio.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” the Republican candidate pronounced, earning a shocked laugh from Harris.

“Harris smiles away Trump’s lies,” German newspaper Bild wrote.