Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to engage in a debate with muted microphones to prevent interruptions, spotlighting Harris's aim for a defining viral moment.
The Daily Mail reported that Harris is gearing up for a pivotal presidential debate against Donald Trump scheduled for September 10th in Philadelphia. This debate comes with a unique twist: the microphones will be muted during each candidate's responses to ensure uninterrupted speech. Harris, feeling somewhat apprehensive, believes this setup may put her at a disadvantage.
Harris's team has organized an extensive five-day preparation camp in Pittsburgh, utilizing close advisors to sharpen her debate skills.
These sessions are intense, featuring mock debates with advisor Philippe Reines donning Donald Trump's signature red tie to emulate the real opponent she will face.
This strategy aims not only to refine Harris's responses but also to adjust her approach based on Trump's known debate behaviors.
Each day at the Pittsburgh camp, Harris is challenged by her advisors, including Rohini Kosoglu, Karen Dunn, Lorraine Voles, Sheila Nix, and Sean Clegg.
Their goal is to recreate moments of assertiveness that have resonated well with the public in Harris's past appearances. Feedback from these sessions is critical, pushing Harris to refine her delivery and poise under pressure.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, has been vocal about his suspicions regarding the fairness of the debate setup. In discussions with Sean Hannity, he suggested that the debate moderators might unfairly assist Harris by providing her with questions in advance. This accusation aligns with his broader strategy to cast doubt on the impartiality of the debate process.
Trump has enlisted Tulsi Gabbard, who famously clashed with Harris during the Democratic primaries, to aid in his preparations.
This move hints at Trump's strategic approach to directly challenge Harris on past vulnerabilities and possibly unsettle her during the debate.
The debate's structure and rules have been a focal point for both campaigns. Brian Fallon expressed suspicion that Trump's push for muted microphones might reflect his concern about controlling the debate's narrative.
"We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign's insistence on muted microphones," said Fallon, implying that Trump might be aiming to prevent Harris from gaining the upper hand by silencing potential interruptions.
Meanwhile, Harris has not been preparing in isolation. She regularly communicates with seasoned politicians like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, drawing on their direct experiences with Trump in past debates. Their insights are likely shaping her strategies and responses, providing her with a broader perspective on handling Trump's debate tactics.
Carlos Lozada commented on Harris’s debate strategy, emphasizing that even modest eloquence and clarity in countering Trump's points could elevate her stature significantly compared to past debates.
Harris intends to leverage every opportunity to score points by articulating clear and compelling rebuttals to Trump's assertions.
The focus for Harris extends beyond simply winning arguments. Her team is keen on creating viral moments that can capture the electorate's attention, much like her assertive interjections in previous national hearings, encapsulated by her firm, "I'm speaking." Such moments are seen not just as points scored but as potential boosts in her campaign's momentum.
Critiques and advice have been plentiful as Harris prepares. Todd Graham warned of the double-edged nature of aiming for viral moments, noting that while these can define a candidate positively, they can also backfire.
Donna Brazile emphasized the need for Harris to be prepared for Trump's aggressive style, advising her to be ready for any attempts by Trump to destabilize her. With stakes incredibly high, both campaigns are employing their strategies meticulously.
Karine Jean-Pierre reported that Joe Biden, involved from the sidelines, is eagerly anticipating watching Harris in the debate, indicating the broader Democratic support for her performance.
As the debate approaches, the nation watches to see how these strategies and preparations will unfold on the stage. The outcome could significantly influence the public's perception and thus the trajectory of the presidential race.