The highly anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential campaign. Several factors contribute to its significance, starting with the precedent set by Trump’s previous debate against President Joe Biden, which effectively ended Biden’s campaign. This outcome will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the minds of both Trump and Harris as they take the stage.
Another factor is that this debate is likely to be the only one between the two candidates. Trump has expressed interest in a second debate on Fox News, but the Harris campaign has been hesitant to agree, given her limited exposure to unscripted public appearances. Harris has yet to conduct a solo interview or hold a press conference, making this debate a rare opportunity for voters to assess her unfiltered.
Furthermore, the debate’s significance is amplified by Harris’s relative unknown status among many Americans. While Trump is a well-known quantity, Harris remains a mystery to a substantial portion of the electorate. A recent New York Times poll found that nearly 30% of voters feel they need to learn more about Harris, despite her tenure as vice president.
Harris’s low profile is partly due to her limited public appearances since a disastrous interview with NBC’s Lester Holt in 2021. The Democratic Party and its allies have attempted to rebrand her as a charismatic leader, but this effort has been based more on style than substance. To gain momentum in the campaign, Harris must move beyond platitudes and clearly articulate her vision and policies.
Specifically, Harris needs to address the inconsistencies in her positions on key issues, such as fracking, immigration, and healthcare. She must explain why her views have shifted and how they differ from those of her former self and her running mate, Biden. The debate moderators should press her for clear answers, rather than allowing her to sidestep these questions.
For Trump, the strategy is straightforward: tie Harris to the unpopular Biden administration and highlight her left-leaning stance on various issues. While it may be tempting for Trump to launch personal attacks, he should focus on the facts and avoid criticizing Harris’s biography.
Ultimately, the success of the debate will depend on both candidates’ ability to provide clear, substantive answers to the moderators’ questions. If they meet this benchmark, voters will be the true beneficiaries, gaining a deeper understanding of the candidates’ visions and policies.
