Donald Trump Goes Off Script in Debate With Kamala Harris: ‘They’re Eating the Dogs, Eating the Cats’

variety.com:

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer Former President Trump veered off course about a half-hour into the debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday, recycling a viral rumor accusing Haitian immigrants in Ohio of eating household pets. “They’re eating the dogs,” he said. “The people that came in — they’re eating the cats.” David Muir, one of the ABC moderators, corrected Trump, saying the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, said there were “no credible reports” of animals being harmed by immigrants.

Harris chuckled when asked for a rebuttal. “Talk about extreme…” she said. The Trump campaign quickly circulated a Federalist article about a police report of Haitians goose-hunting.

Moments earlier, Harris warned that Trump would likely make wild claims, inviting viewers to take a look at his rallies where he talks about Hannibal Lecter, a fictional character. “People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,” she said. “You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires.” The first 30 minutes offered a relatively cogent argument on issues including abortion, trade and immigration.

Harris took aim at Trump on abortion, saying he was responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade and for abortion bans in 20 states. “The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” she said.