The presidential debate Tuesday night produced an early surprise: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump actually shook hands.

Ms. Harris took the initiative by making a beeline straight, crossing the stage into Mr. Trump’s space, and extending her hand.

“Kamala Harris, let’s have a good debate,” Ms. Harris said.

“Nice to see you, have fun,” Mr. Trump said.

“Thank you,” Ms. Harris said.

The expression of comity at the start of the debate in Philadelphia was a bit of a surprise, given the gulf between their visions for the country.

But it was already an introduction in the literal sense: The moderators just finished saying how they’d never met each other.

Mr. Trump and President Biden did not shake hands at their debate in June before Mr. Biden dropped out of the race.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.