Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are taking divergent approaches to the upcoming presidential debate, showcasing not just differing visions for the nation but also distinct strategies in preparing for crucial moments. Harris is secluded in a historic hotel in Pittsburgh, diligently refining concise responses in adherence to the debate’s rules. She has been collaborating with her team since Thursday and opted for a venue that enables interaction with swing-state voters, whereas Trump, the Republican nominee, publicly disregards the significance of debate preparation, focusing instead on campaign events in anticipation of performing well once on the debate stage in Philadelphia. Trump believes in adapting to the debate’s unfolding dynamics rather than rigidly sticking to a preset strategy, as he quoted boxer Mike Tyson’s famous line, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Harris anticipates Trump resorting to insults and distortions during the debate, staying focused on championing the middle class and a brighter future for the country. Her preparation includes consultations with Democratic consultant Philippe Reines, who portrays Trump in practice sessions. Harris has a profound understanding of Trump’s psyche and aims to showcase stronger leadership qualities compared to him, countering his emphasis on projecting strength. Meanwhile, Trump’s previous debate with Joe Biden significantly influenced the election, with Biden ultimately endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee after a poor performance. Both campaigns view the upcoming Harris-Trump debate as a critical juncture in a closely contested race.
Trump has already critiqued the debate moderators, alleging bias, but he intends to let Harris express her views, similar to his approach during the previous debate. His team indicates that traditional debate preparation like stand-ins and role-playing will be absent this time, emphasizing Trump’s routine interactions with policy advisers to stay informed on pertinent issues. Trump has conducted extensive interviews, press conferences, podcasts, and town halls to stay engaged with current affairs. Noteworthy is his recent collaboration with Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic candidate supporting Trump, who brings insights from her debates with Harris during the 2020 Democratic primaries. Trump’s camp aims to corner Harris on policy inconsistencies and project her as overly liberal, linking her to Biden’s economic track record.
In contrast, Harris’s team plans to leverage the debate to highlight Trump’s extremities, aiming to capitalize on the momentum generated by her campaign. With a strategic approach involving holding numerous events with volunteers and engaging with a vast voter base, Harris’s campaign seeks to make significant headway in battleground states. The differing dynamics in the debate preparation of Harris and Trump reflect their contrasting styles and priorities as they gear up for a pivotal showdown.
