Staff Reports
Atlanta is all abuzz about the upcoming debate featuring Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, though one might say it’s more of a spectacle than a serious discussion of policy. Harris, a seasoned debater known for her theatricality, will be squaring off against the unfiltered Trump, who is entering his seventh debate since 2016. It’s like pairing a practiced comedian with a stand-up legend—both skilled, but one surely aims for a punchline while the other throws out haymakers to keep things lively. Harris’s preparations might resemble a prosecutor strategizing in court, while Trump can be expected to treat the debate stage like his own personal reality show.
Harris has a repertoire of tactics that she’s used and refined over her political career. From shaking her head dramatically at the opponent’s statements to utilizing her meticulous “gathering thoughts” routine, she often plays a clever game of mental chess under the broadcast glare. Her supporters might claim that this means she’s ready for anything, but it remains to be seen if her prosecutorial style holds up against Trump’s unpredictable and often incendiary jabbering.
Kamala Harris’ past debates: A prosecutor’s style with narrative flair but risks in a matchup with Trumphttps://t.co/SE4V9XVQys pic.twitter.com/KIpeYQQPLR
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 9, 2024
Those who have faced Harris in prior debates claim she possesses a few advantages, such as her background as a prosecutor. At the same time, some Republicans mutter about Trump being the first U.S. president to face felony convictions as a potential counterpoint. Anyone who’s seen the former president in action knows he’s a mix of policy insights, personal barbs, and an occasional conspiracy theory or two. It’s like trying to hit a moving target while Harris’ allies warn that Trump is the sort of challenge that can turn debate strategy into chaos, and yet, her backers seem to exhibit an unshakeable confidence that she’s ready to rise to the occasion.
The debate tech support team has been working overtime to prepare Harris to counter Trump’s antics. Though politicians are often encouraged to perform like seasoned trial lawyers, Trump operates like a wild card. Tread carefully; one wrong step could turn into the kind of “food fight” that would put a high school cafeteria to shame. Harris might project composure while delivering cookie-cutter policy responses. Still, one has to wonder how well she’ll be able to pivot in real-time if Trump flexes his improv skills in front of tens of millions of viewers.
In the past, Harris has shown moments of brilliance, slipping in pointed comments that resonate with the audience. However, she’ll need to be ready for a leaping Tiger rather than a mere purring house cat. Past debates have seen her on both sides of the defensive: sometimes delivering pointed critiques, as with her defenses against accusations of her tough-on-crime past, and other times back on her heels, struggling to address Biden’s history. This time, she’ll need to stand not only for her own views but also aim to backpedal from some of her more liberal stances—all while trying to keep Trump from turning the debate into an all-out circus.
As the days count down, political commentators and Harris’s supporters are proclaiming her capability to shine brightly against Trump. But history tells the tale of a woman who must tread lightly; Trump is no ordinary opponent. If she wants to leave a mark in this debate and not just become another face in the crowd, she’ll need to be sharp, composed, and perhaps channel a bit of traditional Trump’s indomitable attitude, if only to keep the debate from becoming a one-sided escapade leaning toward the outrageous rather than the sensible. The stage is set. Now, all that’s left is to see whether Harris can truly harness her debate prowess or if she will become just another note in Trump’s long-sung victory song.
