Assuming she doesn’t back out at the last minute, Kamala Harris will be debating Donald Trump on Tuesday. I’ve been skeptical that the debate would even happen since the campaign made such a stink about the debate rules, but now it seems like it’s a go. Harris has one job in this debate, and it’s Trump’s job to ensure she fails.
As is common with presidential debates, the Harris campaign is already trying to manage expectations by downplaying her performance in advance — which is hilarious when you think about how the campaign has leaned on her experience as a prosecutor. But I suspect that there are a lot of nervous people in the Harris campaign right now. According to reports, as Harris gears up for the upcoming debate, her team is laser-focused on one key objective: defining herself before Trump can do it for her.
“While the two camps’ preparations for the big night in Philadelphia could not be more different, both sides view the debate the same way, according to interviews with nearly two dozen people close to the candidates, many of whom insisted on anonymity to discuss the private preparations,” reports the New York Times. “The Harris and Trump teams see it as a crucial moment to define Ms. Harris for millions of swing voters who know what they think about Mr. Trump but are still curious about her.”
Another report from The Independent reveals that Harris' debate prep is "highly choreographed,” complete with a mock stage, TV lighting, and a Trump stand-in.
Related: Kamala’s New Policy Page Reveals What She’ll Do With Illegals She Let Into the U.S.
How can we tell that Kamala and her team are nervous? You may remember that shortly after Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Harris and Biden aides leaked that Harris has been "cautious and reluctant to participate in events that weren't tightly controlled” and often held mock events so Kamala could practice every little detail. The Trump stand-in, played by Philippe Reines, a former deputy assistant secretary of state and senior advisor to Hillary Clinton, even dressed like Trump.
Does that exude confidence? Clearly, nothing has changed.
While Harris is going all out to simulate all the little details of the debate environment, Trump’s preparation is far more relaxed, opting for what his team calls “policy time.” Trump relies on a less structured approach, reviewing his record with aides and not engaging in the kind of rigorous rehearsals Harris is undergoing.
The debate is essentially going to be a race between Kamala and Trump over which one gets the upper hand to define Harris to the voters.
Apparently, Harris and her advisers understand that Trump’s brand is already well-established — love him or hate him, most voters have made up their minds about him. That makes the debate far more consequential for her than Trump. It also gives Trump the advantage because he can measure every policy she pushes and every priority she claims to have against what she has done in the Biden-Harris administration.
The key question, of course, is whether Trump can stay disciplined enough and keep the focus on her and not be baited.
As much as the debate in June was a disaster for Biden, not every moment was a home run for Trump. I really hope he's listening to his advisors and understands that he can end her candidacy Tuesday night if he remains focused and disciplined.
