On one side of the stage will be the prosecutor, aiming to discredit her opponent as a threat to democracy and a relic of the past. Opposite her will be the real estate magnate, attacking his rival as an ultra-liberal who will stifle the economy with excessive regulation.
The upcoming presidential debate on Tuesday marks the first face-to-face confrontation between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as they vie for the future of the United States. Both candidates have been sharpening their attacks and strategizing for this critical moment in their tight race. This debate, hosted by ABC News, might be their only in-person encounter before the November 5 election, making the stakes exceptionally high.
Aaron Kall, a professor at the University of Michigan who studies presidential debates, emphasizes the debates’ significance, noting, “They can’t win you an election, but certainly they can lose it.”
The Philadelphia debate will be the second of this election cycle. Experts believe the first debate on June 27, which led to President Joe Biden’s campaign faltering, serves as a cautionary tale. Biden’s poor performance led to concerns about his age and capability, resulting in his withdrawal from the race and Harris becoming the Democratic nominee. Some speculate that the fallout from Biden’s debate could draw even more viewers to Tuesday’s event.
Barbara Perry, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia, describes the Biden-Trump debate as “the most consequential presidential debate in American history,” indicating the gravity of Tuesday’s debate. Kall points out that a major blunder can have lasting consequences, as seen with Biden’s perceived lack of stamina.
Harris’s campaign has been tight-lipped about their strategies, but they seem to hope for a repeat of a previous debate scenario where Trump’s chaotic interjections worked to Biden’s advantage. Despite requesting Trump’s microphone remain unmuted between questions—a tactic that failed in Biden’s case—the Harris campaign aims to create a similar environment that highlights Trump’s disarray.
Political science professor Matthew Levendusky notes that Harris aims to establish herself with the public, having only recently launched her campaign compared to Trump’s extensive national presence. Her past debate performances, including notable clashes with Biden and Pence, suggest she could leverage her prosecutorial style effectively. However, Levendusky also highlights the challenges Harris faces as a woman of color, which could be compounded by race and gender stereotypes.
Trump, making his seventh general election debate appearance, is known for his unpredictable and often divisive style. His base remains steadfast, but Trump needs to broaden his appeal beyond his core supporters to win. His tendency to disrupt and make memorable moments could play to his advantage, as evidenced by his ability to capture politically significant moments.
Preparation styles for the debate show stark contrasts. Trump has relied on informal policy discussions, while Harris has engaged in rigorous mock debates with a Trump stand-in. Trump has enlisted former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to aid in his preparation, while Harris, despite her shorter campaign duration, has a history of effective debate performances.
The debate will also test how both candidates handle potential divisive elements. Harris, the second woman ever to lead a major party’s presidential ticket and the first Black and South Asian woman in this role, will need to navigate societal preconceptions carefully. Trump’s history of sexist and derogatory remarks adds another layer of complexity to the debate dynamics.
Kelly Dittmar from the Center for American Women and Politics notes that Harris will need to stay composed amidst Trump’s attacks. Maintaining her poised demeanor could enhance her chances in the November race, as voters often favor leaders who remain unshaken under pressure.
