Best, Worst and Most Surprising Lines From the Presidential Debate

In the 105-minute titanic showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday in Philadelphia, there were pointed barbs, missed opportunities and puzzling tangents — and a worrying number of animal mentions.

Here is a look back at the moments we’re still marveling over.

Unlikeliest flex that would have been inconceivable until recently. Ms. Harris, the Democratic nominee, bragging about “having the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Congress member Liz Cheney.”

Foggiest notion of an idea. Mr. Trump, responding to a question about what he would do about Obamacare: “I have concepts of a plan.”

Best Ivy League brag. Mr. Trump, while discussing his economic plan, mentioned his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. “Look, I went to the Wharton School of finance and many of those professors — the top professors — think my plan is a brilliant plan.”

Most niche swing-state electorate shout out. Ms. Harris, urging Mr. Trump to “tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania” how he would address the European territorial ambitions of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin.

Loudest record scratch. Ms. Harris, taking some viewers by surprise, said, “Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.” (She has previously said that she owns a gun for personal safety.)