Harris and Trump to clash as America awaits next twist
1. Trump will try to box in Harris on issues like economy and immigration, but may also unleash more of racist insults
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to face off in their first, and potentially only, televised debate on Tuesday, a moment that could significantly impact the 2024 US presidential election.
With tens of millions of American voters tuning in, this debate represents a critical juncture for both candidates. Harris, 59, will use this opportunity to introduce herself to voters who may not yet know much about her, particularly after taking over for President Joe Biden in July. Trump, 78, will seek to challenge Harris on key issues like the economy and immigration, potentially deploying the controversial rhetoric he has used throughout the campaign.
This debate will also be their first face-to-face meeting at the ABC News event in Pennsylvania, adding to the anticipation of a potentially contentious exchange.
“This debate could become a historic event. Get ready for a show,” remarked Andrew Koneschusky, former press secretary for Senate leader Chuck Schumer.
Ahead of the debate, Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, has been intensively preparing in Philadelphia. Reports suggest that one of her aides even mimicked Trump’s style to help her practice her responses.
Trump, on the other hand, has taken a more relaxed approach, arriving in Philadelphia just hours before the debate and keeping his preparation minimal. The debate will feature muted microphones for each candidate when not speaking, a Trump team request aimed at reducing interruptions.
The debate will contrast Harris’s prosecutor background, known for her sharp and precise debating style, against Trump’s unorthodox and combative approach. Harris has already criticized Trump for his propensity to speak falsehoods, stating, “There’s no limit to how low he will go.”
Trump, described as a formidable opponent with a reputation for brutal tactics, faces legal challenges, including falsifying business records and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. His spokesman, Jason Miller, likened the challenge of preparing for Trump to facing legendary boxers like Floyd Mayweather or Muhammad Ali.
Harris faces the challenge of addressing her policy positions, as a recent New York Times/Siena poll shows her trailing Trump by just one point, with the race tight in several battleground states. She will need to clarify her policy platform to sway undecided voters.
Trump, with his experience from six previous debates, will aim to capitalize on Harris’s need to establish her credentials, while his performance in previous debates has already left a mark on the political landscape.
