Vice President Kamala Harris is set to face her toughest debate yet against former President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Known for her sharp, prosecutorial debate style, Harris often blends detailed arguments with personal anecdotes, using nonverbal cues like head shakes and smiles to communicate disapproval. Her narrative-driven approach helped her stand out in past debates, but the unpredictable and combative nature of Trump presents new challenges. Experts believe Harris is well-prepared, though she will need to stay focused and avoid being distracted by Trump’s aggressive style. This debate is a crucial moment as the election nears.
Quick Read
- Kamala Harris’ Debate Style: Harris is known for her sharp, prosecutorial debate approach, blending detailed arguments with personal anecdotes and using nonverbal cues like head shakes and smiles to communicate disapproval.
- Facing Donald Trump: The upcoming debate with Trump will be Harris’ most challenging yet, as Trump is known for his unpredictable, combative style that mixes policy critiques with personal attacks and conspiracy theories.
- Key Debate Tactics: Harris is expected to stick to her strategy of making narrative-driven points and landing punch lines, a tactic she has used successfully in previous debates, such as against Mike Pence in 2020.
- Potential Risks: Experts warn that Trump’s stage presence and unpredictability can make him a difficult opponent, requiring Harris to stay focused and avoid getting distracted by his antics.
- Importance of Nonverbal Cues: Harris has effectively used body language in the past to convey her disapproval and signal confidence, which could be crucial in countering Trump’s aggressive debate style.
- High Stakes: With early voting starting soon and a tight election race ahead, this debate is a key moment for Harris to connect with voters and demonstrate her leadership.
Harris’ debate style: Sharp Prosecutor with flair takes on Trump
NEWSLOOKS- ATLANTA (AP) —
From her early political campaigns to her role as vice president, Kamala Harris has developed a forceful yet measured debate approach. Known for combining punchy lines with well-researched arguments, Harris often takes time to build a broader narrative. She has a habit of signaling her disapproval through nonverbal cues like head shakes, waiting for the right moment to step in with a carefully considered response. A trademark move of hers is stating she’s “happy to answer the question,” as she gathers her thoughts to defend her positions.
On Tuesday, Harris will face her toughest debate yet: going head-to-head with former President Donald Trump. It will be a high-stakes encounter as the presidential election looms and voters begin early voting. Trump is no stranger to the debate stage, having engaged in multiple general election debates since 2016. He brings an unpredictable style that can alternate between policy critiques, personal jabs, and spreading conspiracy theories.
Despite the challenges, those who have debated Harris or helped prepare her opponents believe she is well-equipped for the task. Marc Short, who led Republican Vice President Mike Pence’s debate preparation against Harris in 2020, acknowledged her ability, saying, “She can meet the moment.”
In her past debates, Harris has demonstrated an ability to effectively weave her personal biography into her arguments, creating a strong emotional connection. Her approach is often compared to a lawyer’s courtroom strategy—laying out the facts before delivering a memorable punch. Her widely-recalled moment during the 2019 Democratic primary debate, when she criticized then-candidate Joe Biden’s record on race and referenced her own experience as a young Black girl during school integration, exemplifies this narrative-building strength.
But debates are not without risks for Harris. Critics point to times when her positions, particularly from the 2020 primary on issues like fracking and universal healthcare, have left her vulnerable to attacks. Trump, known for mixing policy critiques with personal insults, could exploit those moments.
In addition to her words, Harris uses nonverbal communication to her advantage. She’s skilled at using facial expressions to signal her stance while her opponent speaks, followed by a poised retort. Her 2020 debate against Pence showcased this when she calmly but firmly said, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” after repeated interruptions.
Yet, the upcoming face-off with Trump presents a unique challenge. Democrats, while supportive, acknowledge that dealing with Trump’s unpredictable and often theatrical style will be no easy feat. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Harris would need “superhuman focus” to handle Trump, noting that Trump has a way of turning debates into spectacles.
With the candidates’ microphones set to be muted when not speaking, Harris might face difficulty in delivering viral moments that rely on Trump’s disruptive tactics being heard. Nevertheless, Julian Castro, another former 2020 rival, advised that the key to success would be staying focused on the issues and not getting distracted by Trump’s antics.
This debate is a pivotal moment for Harris, offering her the chance to demonstrate leadership and poise under pressure as the country inches closer to Election Day.
