Harris and Trump face off in debate: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who have never met in person, are set to confront each other on the debate stage. The pivotal debate will take place Tuesday evening at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This event marks a significant moment in the campaign, following Harris’s recent shift to the Democratic nomination after President Biden’s withdrawal from the race just seven weeks ago. ABC will host the debate, which is expected to draw tens of millions of viewers across the country. Ballots are already out in key battleground states, with polls showing a tight race, including in Pennsylvania.
Harris’s Strategy for the Debate
For Harris, this debate is a crucial opportunity to advocate for her economic policies and connect with voters who may have only a vague impression of her. She aims to demonstrate her readiness to serve as commander in chief. Harris has been candid about her expectations, acknowledging that Trump’s confrontational debating style often unsettles opponents. “There’s no limit to how low he might go. We should brace ourselves,” Harris remarked during an interview with “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” on Monday. “We should anticipate that he may not adhere to the truth and might speak numerous falsehoods.
Harris must use the debate to confidently promote her economic vision, according to wall street journal login.
Trump’s Main Strategy
Trump’s main strategy, aides say, focuses on high inflation during Biden’s presidency and concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border. He plans to criticize Harris’s record as California prosecutor, accusing her of being lenient on violent crime and highlighting her liberal positions. In a recent CNN interview, Trump stated, “My values have not changed,” reinforcing his stance. Unlike Biden’s poor June debate, Trump aims to avoid similar mistakes, while Harris faces no concerns about age or mental fitness.
Debate Preparation and Strategy
Trump plans to minimize interruptions and let Harris speak, contrasting with his aggressive tactics in past debates.Advisers urge him to avoid making controversial remarks about Harris’s gender, intelligence, or race during the debate. Brett O’Donnell, a Republican strategist, suggests keeping the focus on policy rather than personality. He recommends labeling Harris as weak and dangerously liberal, without addressing her intelligence or race, to shift the debate towards changing the status quo.
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Trump’s Unconventional Preparation
Trump avoids traditional debate preparation, preferring rally speeches and interviews for practice ahead of the event. “You can plan all you want, but must adapt during the debate,” Trump told Sean Hannity at a recent Fox News town hall. Citing Mike Tyson, he said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Despite this approach, Trump regularly consults advisers like Tulsi Gabbard, Matt Gaetz, Stephen Miller, and Jason Miller for strategic guidance.
Harris’s Campaign Tactics
Harris has laid groundwork through ads and speeches on her economic agenda and abortion rights. Her campaign unsuccessfully urged ABC to keep microphones on throughout the debate to allow for more dynamic exchanges. ABC has maintained the existing rules, which mute microphones when the other candidate speaks. Harris’s campaign argued this would better suit her debating style but may also reflect a desire for Trump to speak over her.
Past Debate Experience
Both candidates bring extensive debate experience to the table, showcasing their skills in past high-profile political events. Harris, a former prosecutor, gained prominence during the 2020 presidential debates but struggled with message clarity. Trump, known for his memorable debate performances, leveraged debates to secure the 2016 Republican nomination and challenged Hillary Clinton. His 2020 debates with Biden included frequent interruptions, though his second debate displayed a more subdued, controlled performance.
As the debate approaches, Trump remains entangled in controversies, including allegations of election fraud and legal threats. His debate strategy and focus will be pivotal in shaping the debate’s outcome and influencing voter perceptions.
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