In a tight race that could determine the outcome of the Electoral College, Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the winner of the recent debate against former President Donald Trump, according to veteran GOP strategists. The debate, held on Tuesday and moderated by ABC News in Philadelphia, sparked internal worry and debate within the Republican party over its potential impact on the upcoming election.

According to one prominent Republican operative supportive of Trump, the debate likely shifted popular support by one percentage point in Harris' favor. This swing could have significant implications in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, where Harris and Trump are currently neck and neck, as per the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls.

Although some Trump allies argued that a tactical win for Harris may not have a lasting impact, citing pre-debate polling that showed many voters still needed to learn more about her, the consensus among Republican strategists is that Trump missed an opportunity to gain ground on Harris. They criticized his performance for going off on tangents and failing to effectively criticize her record as vice president and her changing stances on key issues.

Former Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina labeled the debate as a "land of missed opportunities" for Trump. While Trump publicly claimed victory, many of his supporters privately acknowledged Harris' strong performance on stage.

The post-debate polls also reflect Harris' strong showing, with a CNN/SSRS snap survey reporting that 63% of debate watchers believed she won. However, there were contrasting findings from a Reuters focus group that showed mixed opinions. Out of 10 undecided voters, six leaned towards Trump and three favored Harris.

The debate also brought into question the long-term impact on Trump's image. Some Republican strategists expressed concerns over the perceived bias from moderators and the media, believing that they have an ethical obligation to support Democrats. However, strategists also noted that the news cycle moves swiftly and that voter opinions are often shaped by broader campaign issues.

Looking ahead, the Harris campaign wasted no time in calling for a second debate, an offer that some Republican strategists believe Trump should decline. Others express optimism that Trump can learn from his first debate experience, stay on message, and avoid distractions in future debates.

As the election date inches closer, the debates and polls continue to play a role in shaping voter opinions. While Harris' debate victory may not be the determining factor, it has certainly given her campaign momentum, causing concerns to rise within the GOP as they grapple with the potential implications on this highly contested election.