Harris, speaking during a radio interview with Rickey Smiley, was blunt about her expectations. "We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth," she remarked, pointing out that Trump is likely to spread a lot of untruths. The interview, which was recorded while Harris was at a rally in New Hampshire, set the tone for her strategy as she gears up for her first-ever presidential debate against Trump, who will be making his seventh debate appearance.
On the flip side, the Trump campaign and its allies were busy on Monday crafting their own narrative. They painted a picture of Trump’s debate strategy focused on scrutinizing Harris’s record and tying her to what they describe as failures and "disasters" from the Biden-Harris administration. With the debate clock ticking, both candidates are fine-tuning their messages to sway undecided voters before November’s highly anticipated election.
Trump’s campaign has been particularly vocal about their expectation that Harris will be on the defensive. During a press call organized by the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that Harris will be pressed to justify her record on issues such as crime and border management. Trump Campaign Senior Adviser Jason Miller went further, suggesting that Harris is effectively running the White House, leaving her accountable for major events like the East Palestine, Ohio derailment and the Maui wildfires. "Every single one of these disasters is on Kamala Harris," Miller declared.
As the debate approaches, Trump’s tone is expected to remain characteristic of his past performances. According to Miller, Trump is “going to be himself,” suggesting that the former president will stick to his familiar debating style.
Harris’s approach, however, involves a strategic mix of assertiveness and critique. She plans to spotlight what she sees as Trump’s self-serving tendencies rather than a genuine concern for the American people. This debate represents uncharted territory for Harris, who will be facing off against Trump for the first time in a presidential debate, whereas Trump brings a wealth of debate experience to the table.
In preparation, Harris has been holed up in Pittsburgh, running mock debates under conditions designed to simulate the real event. Her training sessions are reportedly taking place on a stage with full lighting, set up in her hotel to mimic Tuesday’s environment. Advisers who previously helped Hillary Clinton prepare for her debates in 2016 are also in Harris’s corner, including Philippe Reines, who has been playing the role of Trump in practice sessions, even donning a wig for the part.
The Trump campaign is well aware of Harris’s intense preparation efforts. Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, now advising Trump, emphasized on "Fox and Friends" that Harris should not be underestimated. “She’s taking this debate seriously,” Gabbard said, noting that Harris’s preparation includes memorizing lines and rehearsing them for effectiveness.
Despite Harris’s rigorous prep, Gabbard pointed out that Trump’s preparation strategy differs significantly. Trump has opted for a less conventional approach, engaging in interviews and town halls to connect directly with the American people rather than focusing solely on formal debate drills.
Yet, it’s clear that Trump is not entirely skipping out on debate prep. Behind the scenes, Trump is holding informal policy sessions with a small group of advisers, including Gabbard and Republican Representative Matt Gaetz. Sources reveal that Gaetz has been quizzing Trump on challenging issues, such as his ongoing legal troubles, to sharpen his responses for the debate.
As the debate draws near, the stakes are high. With both candidates preparing to make their mark, the event promises to be a defining moment in the lead-up to November’s election. Harris is set to challenge Trump’s record and push her vision forward, while Trump aims to capitalize on his debate experience and focus on Harris’s role in the current administration. The outcome of this debate could very well influence the trajectory of the presidential race, making Tuesday’s showdown a must-watch event for voters across the nation.
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