In the upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, lessons from Trump’s 2016 debates with Hillary Clinton provide insights into what both candidates may face. Trump, known for his aggressive style of interruptions and insults, will aim to rattle Harris, while Harris, like Clinton, is expected to remain composed and deliver sharp counterattacks. Gender dynamics will play a role, as they did in 2016 when Trump’s physical intimidation tactics toward Clinton were widely noticed. The debate will test Harris’s ability to resist Trump’s provocations and stay focused on policy as the race enters its final stretch.
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- Trump’s debate style: Known for aggressive interruptions, insults, and projecting confidence to rattle opponents.
- Harris’s challenge: Expected to stay composed, land sharp counterattacks, and avoid being baited by Trump.
- Gender dynamics: Like in the 2016 debates with Hillary Clinton, Trump’s interactions with a female opponent could bring gender issues to the forefront.
- Physical intimidation: Trump’s past behavior, such as looming over Clinton, might resurface as a tactic against Harris.
- Harris’s opportunity: She needs to focus on policy, avoid distractions, and maintain control of the debate narrative.
- Election context: The debate comes as the race tightens, making this a key moment for both candidates to sway voters.
What Trump’s debates with Clinton tell us about facing Harris
NEWSLOOKS- NEW YORK (AP) —
As Donald Trump and Kamala Harris prepare for their first and possibly only debate on Tuesday, Trump’s three debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016 provide key insights into what both candidates may face in what is shaping up to be another close election.
Trump, an experienced debater, excels at rattling opponents with insults, interruptions, and projecting confidence. Meanwhile, Harris, a seasoned prosecutor, will be tasked with maintaining her composure and delivering pointed blows, just as Clinton did in 2016. Gender dynamics are also at play once again, with Trump facing another woman who could make history as the first female president.
Trump’s Strategy: Rattle and Redirect
During the first 2016 debate with Clinton, Trump started on his best behavior but quickly became combative. He attacked Clinton’s track record in public service and tried to cast her as “all talk, no action.” Clinton’s strategy, much like Harris’ will likely be, was to smile and brush off Trump’s provocations, at one point joking about Trump “saying more crazy things.”
As the debates progressed, Trump escalated his attacks, using aggressive tactics, such as inviting women who had accused Bill Clinton of misconduct to sit in the audience. At one point, he lurked behind Clinton onstage, creating a widely mocked and meme-worthy image that underscored the gender dynamics in play.
Clinton’s Approach: Stay Composed
Clinton’s approach was to remain calm and collected, much as Harris is expected to do. Even when Trump called her a “nasty woman” during the third debate, Clinton did not engage, focusing instead on policy. Clinton also managed to bait Trump at times, such as when she accused him of being a “Russian puppet,” which visibly flustered him.
Gender Dynamics
In her memoir, Clinton reflected on how Trump used his physicality to try to intimidate her, noting that he “loomed” behind her during the second debate. This dynamic may resurface with Harris, another woman challenging Trump for the presidency.
The lessons from 2016 are clear: Harris will need to stay focused and resist Trump’s provocations, while Trump will likely stick to his aggressive style, using interruptions and accusations to dominate the stage. How each candidate handles the pressure could play a pivotal role in the final stretch of this contentious race.
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