Trump vs Harris Presidential Debate: Candidates go on attack in zinger-filled showdown

During the presidential debate Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump doubled down on the false claim that migrants from Haiti are stealing and eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Former President Donald Trump doubled down on the false claim that migrants from Haiti are stealing and eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats, they're eating, they're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said.

These baseless rumors have spread widely online in recent days -- amplified by right-wing politicians, including vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance -- after a series of social media posts have gone viral claiming Haitian migrants were abducting people's pets in order to eat them.

READ MORE | Trump pushes false claim that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating pets

Trump closed out the debate with his closing statement calling out Harris' record in the last three and a half years.

"She's going to do all these wonderful things. Why hasn't she done it? She's been there for three and a half years," he said.

Trump continued attacks on Harris over Afghanistan, the migrant crisis and the economy.

"The worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country," he said.

Harris spent her closing statement seeking to draw a final contrast between her vision for the country and that of Trump.

She also sought to take a moment to introduce herself to viewers who may not be familiar with her policies and resume, highlighting her background as a prosecutor, California attorney general and U.S. senator.

"We're not going back," she said. "And I do believe that the American people know we all have so much more in common than what separates us, and we can chart a new way forward."

Harris is noticeably more expressive in the room.

While Trump has occasionally smirked or shaken his head, her body language is much bigger, turning toward Trump and back, folding her hands, unfolding them, making faces as if shocked of strongly disagreeing with Trump while he talks.

For example, she looked disgusted when Trump mentioned Hungary's Viktor Orban. When Trump said he was being sarcastic about losing the 2020 election by a "whisker," Harris made a disapproving face, eyebrows furrowed and shook her head. When Trump was talking about Jan. 6, she shook her head throughout.

Trump's biggest reactions so far were around his court cases and when Harris said "you're running against me" (not President Joe Biden). He raised his eyebrows and gave a smile.