Harris-Trump debate highlights and Hurricane Francine approaches Louisiana: Morning Rundown

Kamala Harris gets under Donald Trump’s skin in their first debate. Hurricane Francine churns toward Louisiana. And new weight loss pill shows dramatic results. 

Here’s what to know today.

First presidential debate with Harris features clashes, conspiracies and a rattled Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed on the economy, abortion and immigration in a presidential debate full of fiery exchanges. And while Trump tried to tie Harris to President Joe Biden, he learned that she is a much tougher rival. 

While Trump tried to re-create the conditions of June’s fateful debate stage matchup, Harris reminded him, “You’re not running against Joe Biden. You’re running against me.”

Harris was quick to bring up the economy, promising a tax cut for families to ease pocketbook concerns for middle class voters, and she found her comfort zone while blasting Trump’s positions on abortion. Trump was his most confident pointing to issues on which Harris has changed her position over the years, like whether to ban fracking. Both candidates tried to claim the mantle of change in a country full of voters who are hungry for it.

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Harris tried to get under Trump’s skin, baiting him into a defensive posture that prevented him from attacking her weaknesses. In one of the more memorable moments, Trump went on a tangent about a debunked conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating dogs and other pets.

And when Trump scolded Harris’ attempt to interrupt him, some allies lamented that he lost control at a key moment. “Wait a minute, I’m talking now,” Trump said, sounding annoyed. “You don’t mind? … Does that sound familiar?” (Watch the moment here.)

Three Republican sources told NBC News after the debate that Trump came off as “angry” in that moment.

After the matchup, Trump approached reporters to claim the night was a win. He wouldn’t commit to a second debate, which Harris’ campaign has challenged him to do.

Read the full story here. 

More debate coverage: 

• Here are six key takeaways from the debate.
• Watch highlights from the debate in 3 minutes.
• Moments after it ended, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris — and signed her Instagram post “Childless Cat Lady.”
• NBC News’ politics team fact-checked statements from the debate. Here’s what’s true, needs context or is outright false.
• In a lengthy exchange on abortion, Trump declined twice to say whether he would veto a federal abortion ban. 
• Trump refused to acknowledge his 2020 election loss and dodged questions about whether he had any regrets about his actions on Jan. 6.
• Trump repeated debunked rumors related to Venezuelan gangs taking over a Colorado apartment complex. Here’s how the false claim started.
• “Harris exemplified Debating 101” when it came to getting Trump to talk about himself, NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd writes. But voters wanting to learn more about Harris probably didn’t. Read the full analysis. 

Inflation steadies ahead of anticipated interest rate cut

Inflation keeps slowing, but many consumers are likely still feeling the sting of higher prices ahead of the Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate cut this month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the consumer price index for the month of August today, and economists predict it will show an annual increase of 2.6%, down from 2.9% in July. Despite the apparent relief, consumers are still grappling with the climb in prices since the onset of the Covid pandemic, especially when it comes to housing costs.

While some economists predict an economic “soft landing,” in which unemployment and inflation are subdued, others fear the Fed’s anticipated 0.25% rate cut might not be enough to stave off a harsher outcome. 

Hurricane Francine churns toward Louisiana

Hurricane Francine is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana today, with the coastline expected experience a storm surge of 5 to 10 feet and a possible 12 inches of rain. Public schools in New Orleans are closed today and tomorrow, and curfews were in place in multiple parishes. A state of emergency has been declared by the governors of both Louisiana and Mississippi. Follow the latest updates here.

Daily pill cuts body weight by 13% in 3 months in early trial

An experimental weight loss drug from Novo Nordisk was shown to decrease body weight by up to 13% after three months, a rate that appears to be more rapid than what is seen with other popular weight loss drugs, according to findings presented this week. The daily pill is called amycretin and works in similar way to semaglutide, the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic, by mimicking a hormone that helps reduce food intake and appetite. It also imitates a second hormone that can promote a feeling of fullness. 

The results are part of a Phase 1 clinical trial, which look at the safety of a new drug. More research is needed to focus on how well the drug works. 

Despite compelling results, medical experts already have critical questions.

Politics in Brief 

Hospitalized representative: Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina is being treated after he collapsed at an event in Washington. His family said the 77-year-old “experienced stroke-like symptoms.”

New Hampshire politics: Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig have won their parties’ primaries for governor, setting up what’s expected to be a close matchup in the battleground state.

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Read All About It 

• Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed some of the biggest soccer clubs in the world, was named head coach of the U.S. men’s team.
• Videos have emerged on social media of Ukraine using so-called “dragon drones” that spew a fiery substance onto troops and terrain in its war with Russia.
• Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl admitted to fathering a baby outside his 21-year marriage.
• Police identified the officer placed on leave after Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained over allegations of careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt. 

Staff Pick: ‘Master of our craft’

After the news broke of actor James Earl Jones’ death, a debate sprung up quickly in our newsroom: What was the actor’s most iconic role: Darth Vader or Mufasa? Regardless of where you land, what is undeniable is Jones’ impact on American culture and his role as a trailblazer who broke color barriers. NBC News BLK reporter Char Adams reflects on a career that spanned generations and set the standard for Black actors. — Joy Y. Wang, senior editorial director

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified 

Ready for some self care? Dermatologists shared the 18 best under-eye creams, patches and rollers to de-puff and brighten your eyes. And don’t skip on shower oils, which are a great alternative to body wash but won’t dry out your skin.

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