As the highly anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris approaches, CNN’s Scott Jennings offered some key advice for Trump. Jennings, a senior political commentator, emphasized the importance of Trump focusing on a single core issue: that he is the candidate for change, particularly in comparison to Harris, who represents a continuation of the current administration.
Jennings suggested that Trump should answer every question by circling back to this central theme, whether it’s about the economy, the border, or any other topic. He also cautioned Trump against getting sidetracked by questions or Harris’s responses, and instead advised him to stay on message.
According to Jennings, Trump’s message of change is a winning strategy, given that many Americans are dissatisfied with the current administration and see Harris as a representative of more of the same. He emphasized that Trump should avoid engaging in any discussion that deviates from this core issue, as it would be a “lost minute” or a wasted opportunity.
Jennings also highlighted the challenges Harris faces in unwinding her past positions and distancing herself from the unpopular policies of the Biden administration. He believes that Trump should focus on the top two issues of the economy and immigration, where he enjoys significant support among likely voters.
A recent poll from The New York Times/Siena College found that Trump leads Harris 48-47 percent among likely voters, with 55 percent considering Harris to represent “more of the same” and 53 percent considering Trump to represent a “major change.” The poll also showed that Trump has a significant advantage on the economy and immigration, with 55 percent and 53 percent of likely voters trusting him more on these issues, respectively.
The Trump campaign seized on these findings in a memo released on Monday, which claimed that Harris has set herself up for a tough debate and will struggle to clear the high bar of convincing Americans that she is not a “Radical Left lunatic.” The memo also highlighted Harris’s claim that her values have not changed, despite her shifting positions on key issues.
