Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing for the upcoming debate by immersing herself in five days of intense practice at a Pittsburgh hotel. Her preparation involves a meticulously staged setup with replica TV lighting and a stand-in embodying former President Donald J. Trump in a boxy suit and long tie. This high-stakes rehearsal aims to sharpen her skills and ensure she presents a calm, presidential demeanor.
In contrast, Trump’s preparation is less formal, described not as “debate prep” but as “policy time.” This approach is designed to refresh him on his record rather than mimic Harris’s debating style. Trump has held a few sessions so far, with aides sometimes challenging him with questions or engaging in discussions. Notably, Trump even interrupted one session at his Las Vegas hotel to watch Harris’s convention speech.
Despite the stark differences in their prep strategies, both campaigns view the debate as a crucial moment to define their respective candidates. Harris’s team sees it as an opportunity to introduce her to undecided voters who are familiar with Trump but less certain about her. The goal is to highlight Trump’s flaws while showcasing Harris’s composure and presidential qualities.
Hillary Clinton, who debated Trump in 2016, advised Harris to avoid being baited and instead provoke Trump. “When I said he was a Russian puppet, he just sputtered onstage. I think that’s an example of how you get out a fact about him that really unnerves him,” Clinton said.
On Trump’s side, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has taken on the role of posing tough questions, including on Trump’s criminal convictions. Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, known for her critique of Harris in the 2019 primary debates, is also aiding Trump’s preparation.
Trump’s team is wary of his potential to appear overly aggressive, recalling his tumultuous first debate with Joe Biden in 2020. Advisors fear Trump might show his contempt for Harris or come across as condescending. They have encouraged him to adopt a more affable demeanor, though some worry this might make him seem “low energy.”
Trump’s team plans to focus on criticizing Harris’s partnership with President Biden and holding her accountable for various administration issues, including the economy and immigration. Senior advisor Jason Miller emphasized that Trump’s aim is to make Harris take ownership of these problems.
Harris, meanwhile, has been advised to present Trump as a stale, out-of-touch figure who caters only to the wealthy. She has moved away from branding Trump as a racist or misogynist, focusing instead on connecting with undecided voters concerned about the economy and their future.
Despite her recent launch as a presidential candidate, Harris is preparing diligently. Her debate coach, Karen Dunn, and former aide Rohini Kosoglu, along with other trusted advisors, are working with her at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh.
In contrast, Trump’s debate prep sessions have been more sporadic, including a recent three-hour session at his Bedminster club. Trump has been briefed on Harris’s past debate performances and is aware of her viral moment in 2020 when she firmly interrupted Mike Pence.
The debate, hosted by ABC News, will be the first opportunity for Harris and Trump to face each other directly. Both camps are intensely focused on this event, given its potential impact on the November 5 election.
Political experts note that the stakes are high. The June debate, which saw President Biden falter, led to a significant shift in the Democratic campaign, and its effects may influence the upcoming debate.
Harris aims to showcase her toughness and ability to handle Trump’s attacks while managing societal expectations related to her race and gender. Trump’s strategy, meanwhile, revolves around leveraging his debate experience and his instinctive ability to create memorable moments.(Source: The New York Times)
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As the debate approaches, both candidates are poised to make a significant impression on the American electorate, with each side hoping to define the other in their favor.
