When Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took the stage Tuesday night for their first presidential debate against each other, the two shook hands.
The debate is the first time the two candidates have met each other.
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
After they were introduced, Trump appeared to walk to his podium without shaking Harris’ hand. Heading towards the center of the stage, Harris changed course to meet him at his podium for a handshake.
The vice president said, “Kamala Harris. How are you?”
“Nice to see you, I’m fine,” Trump said as he shook her hand.
Harris responded, saying, “Let’s have a good debate.”
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
The handshake between the two candidates ended an eight-year streak without a handshake on the presidential debate stage.
There are no rules or regulations requiring a handshake before or after the debate.