TAMPA, Fla. — The presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris touched on a variety of topics ranging from abortion, the economy and the border — and it got heated at times.

The debate began with a hand shake, but the gloves were off shortly after.

University of South Florida professor Joshua Scacco, director for the school's Center of Sustainable Democracy, said all eyes were on the vice president, as it was her first debate against Trump.

He says her strategy was to let the former president talk as much as possible.

"Vice President Kamala Harris is the one that was baiting Donald Trump over and over again," Scacco said.

Scacco said that it was clear Harris wanted Trump to speak as much as possible. Her campaign had requested that the microphones to remain on, despite that request being denied.

Scacco says Trump did speak more than the vice president.

“By letting Donald Trump talk, it might remind some individuals of his presidency, because one of the key things is that some of the data shows that the more attention Donald Trump receives, it's not necessarily beneficial to him,” Scacco said.

He also said that Trump had an issue of staying on message, but did manage to attack Harris and her record on immigration and the economy.

Scacco said he believes most voters have already decided who they will vote for, but that the election could come down to undecided voters — especially in the swing states.