Observing these six points during Kamala Harris's debate against Donald Trump:
The previous president is about to navigate unfamiliar waters. He bypassed the Republican primary debates, but will now confront his second Democratic opponent in consecutive events – a stark contrast to President Joe Biden, whose campaign crumbled in Atlanta in June. However, Harris poses a significantly distinct challenge.
Harris has had a successful campaign thus far. She claimed the nomination following Biden's departure in July and saw a surge in popularity and funding in the subsequent weeks. She raised an impressive $361 million in August alone, surpassing Trump's haul by almost three times. Despite the close race, there's a growing need for voters to understand Harris's policies and stance, creating opportunities and challenges for both sides.
Unlike Harris, there's less ambiguity surrounding Trump. This will be his seventh presidential general election debate. On the campaign trail, he's made a mix of conflicting promises and positions, promoted 'Project 2025' and then abandoned it, and tried to link Harris to Biden's record, particularly on border security, while frequently resorting to gender- and race-baiting personal attacks.
The primary question leading up to their encounter in Philadelphia, one of the most significant national debates in decades, is whether either candidate can effectively convey a persuasive message to swing voters while maintaining their base's confidence.
Here are six aspects to monitor during the debate:
Can Harris convey the policy message voters are seeking?
Harris has served as vice president for nearly four years and was a senator for approximately the same duration, representing California. Despite her extensive political experience, 28% of potential voters in a recent poll stated they require more information about her.
For Trump, the figure was 9%.
The debate serves as a platform for Harris to clarify her views on various issues. So far, she has primarily focused on two topics: cost of living and reproductive rights. Her stance on the latter is broadly popular, and she communicates it effectively, aligning with a broader message about personal freedoms.
The economy poses a steeper challenge. Her campaign has tried to stay consistent with Biden's message while infusing it with a fresh, populist appeal that excites Democrats and persuades undecided voters.
While Harris is unlikely to deviate from her strategy, she may be pushed to present a clearer picture of her priorities. Additionally, she will need to clarify her recent policy changes, such as her reversal on banning plastic straws and her distancing from 'Medicare for All'.
Which version of Trump will appear on stage in Philadelphia?
Trump turned 78 just before his Georgia debate with Biden. He seemed frail, and his performance was the focus of post-debate analysis. Trump, too, appears diminished compared to his previous campaigns.
His recent performance at an economic forum was disorganized and unclear, leaving viewers perplexed. This lack of coherence seems to have become more frequent and difficult to reconcile.
However, whether Trump can maintain clarity when speaking is a separate issue. His propensity for using bigoted language and making outlandish claims may prove to be an obstacle.
Will Harris be able to distinguish herself from Biden?
Her recent policy shifts and political evolution have raised questions about Harris's consistency and motivations. While some view these changes as a natural progression in her political journey, others see them as a betrayal of her principles for personal gain.
Harris will need to balance addressing these concerns while differentiating herself from Biden. If she manages to do so effectively, she could potentially attract disillusioned Democrats or undecided voters.
Can Trump effectively address his weaknesses and counter Harris's strengths?
Harris's strengths in policy and communication could pose a significant challenge to Trump. He will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining his traditional campaign narrative.
Trump has been successful in connecting with his base by attacking his opponents and focusing on divisive issues. However, his approach may not be as effective against Harris, who has a strong policy record and communicates her message effectively.
How will the debate moderators handle the candidates' disputes and interruptions?
Debate moderators often struggle to maintain control, especially when candidates engage in heated exchanges or interrupt each other. This challenge is compounded when one candidate, like Trump, thrives on disruption and chaos.
The moderators will need to ensure a fair and orderly debate while allowing the candidates to present their views. This balance is essential to preventing the debate from devolving into a beligerent free-for-all.
How will the candidates respond to each other's attacks and personal criticisms?
Trump is known for his personal attacks and relishes in targeting his opponents' weaknesses or perceived flaws. Harris will need to prepare for these potential attacks and find effective ways to counter them without stooping to Trump's level.
Trump, meanwhile, must be mindful of the consequences of his words and avoid using bigoted language or making outlandish claims, as these tactics may alienate undecided voters or further damage his reputation.
In conclusion, both candidates have strengths and weaknesses that they will need to leverage during the debate. While Harris will need to clarify her policy positions and address concerns about her consistency, Trump will need to maintain clarity and avoid making offensive remarks. Effective debate moderation, tactful responses to attacks, and maintaining control are essential to a successful debate.
Though addressing such sentiments may inflame his supporters with the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) ideology, it fails to resonate positively in the suburban areas – inhabited by the majority of undecided voters – and serves to bolster the Democrats, both monetarily and morally.
In her interviews, Harris has intentionally maintained a silence regarding the historical aspects of her campaign, deeming them self-explanatory. Recently, during an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, she opted to steer the conversation away from Trump's strange allegations, saying, "Same old, tired tactics. Next question, please."
Open Stage Night!
There's a solid argument to be made that Trump lost the 2020 election against Biden during their very first debate.
Displaying an aggressive, rambunctious, and, as later revealed, during a battle with COVID-19, Trump presented an unflattering caricature of himself in their debate. The contest may have ended in close results, but it's challenging to deny – almost everyone does, aside from a handful – that Trump did harm his chances that night.
For this reason, Trump, along with Biden's team, agreed to silence the candidates' microphones during their speeches in their pre-June debate, with the aim of letting Trump's own self-destruction unfold. As predicted, Trump frequently interrupted himself and often ran out of time, emphasizing the importance of self-control.
Harris, during her campaign in the 2019 Democratic presidential primary, occasionally stuttered on busy stages. However, she is generally regarded as a more formidable debater than a peak Biden. Her team's attempt to reactivate the microphones before the debate, eventually withdrawn before the date was set, showed their willingness to allow Trump ample opportunities for failure.
Tuesday night's debate interactions between Harris and Trump will be more heavily regulated, with viewers keeping a close eye on the efficiency of these restrictions.
Remember, it's Biden!
By the close of Tuesday night's debate, the more accurate question might be: Have we perhaps forgotten about Joe Biden?
A little over two months following the president's departure, and precisely two months before the election, Trump's primary argument has revolved around demanding that Harris continues Biden's policies while failing to deliver notable changes.
When Harris adheres to Biden's existing policies, Trump attacks them and discredits her as a failure. Responding to Trump's accusations on immigration and the US-Mexico border will provide insights into Harris's strategies. Conversely, when Harris attempts to distance herself from Biden, acknowledging his numerous shortcomings, Trump questions her inaction over the past four years.
For Trump, this is an elementary approach, while Harris must tackle her intricate and – if successful – sophisticated assignment.
There's no debate over the fact that Biden will, in spirit if not in person, maintain a strong presence on the debate platform. Both candidates will leverage, or aim to conceal, Biden's record for their respective benefit, reinforcing a delicate balancing act that risks tipping the scale if either strays too far from the political center.
Trump Under Cross-Examination: His Abortion Stance and Plans
Trump, at times, has proudly proclaimed his role in appointing three of the six Supreme Court Justices who ruled to erode Roe v. Wade, eliminating federal legal protections for abortion in 2022.
Since then, a majority of Republican-controlled states have implemented either total bans or restrictive abortion laws, prompting significant backlash. The public's response to these regulations, coupled with polling data, underscores the widespread unpopularity of the decision and its far-reaching consequences.
Trump's political career ended before the Supreme Court's decision; however, his party's approval ratings suffered significantly.
Trump's stance on the issue remains inconsistent, with his key position being delegating abortion policies to different states. In a recent statement, he declared his opposition to a Florida ballot measure intended to lift the state's six-week abortion ban, a stance that is also contradicted by his past remarks.
Harris will attempt to challenge Trump's indecisiveness and demand a clearer stance on the issue.
How does Harris address the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine?
The conflict in Ukraine has lasted for more than two and a half years, marked by rampant violence reminiscent of World War II's eastern front. In October 2023, Hamas breached Israel, triggering an 11-month Debilitating onslaught on Palestinians by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution of both conflicts appears distant, with increasing casualties and worsening humanitarian circumstances in Gaza.
According to Trump, Putin – who he claims shares a unique friendship with – would have never invaded Ukraine if he were still in power, and Israel would have enjoyed greater freedom in Gaza.
Harris, who advocates for continuous support from the West for Ukraine, has thus far been less vocal about her Middle Eastern strategy.
During her convention speech and her updated campaign platform's "issues" section, Harris positions herself as an advocate for Israel's security, while advocating for a neighboring Palestinian state and ensuring both parties' safety. Critics argue that she is taking a two-edged approach, potentially dividing her support base.
For the first time, though, she will present this perspective facing Trump's scrutiny.
- Despite Harris's focus on cost of living and reproductive rights, her stance on economic policies poses a steeper challenge. She needs to clarify her priorities and present a clearer picture of her policies, especially regarding the economy, to convince voters.
- Trump's approach to debates, characterized by attacks on opponents and divisive issues, might not be as effective against Harris. Given her strong policy record and effective communication skills, he may need to find new strategies to connect with voters during their debate in Philadelphia.
