As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump face off in their only scheduled debate on Tuesday night, all eyes will be on this pivotal moment in Harris’s political career. This debate represents her largest platform yet to present her vision for the presidency, as the nation seeks insight into her potential leadership.
For Trump, the debate offers a crucial opportunity to shift momentum after a challenging summer. With Harris gaining ground since she replaced President Biden as the Democratic nominee, Tuesday might be Trump’s best chance to reverse this trend before early voting begins.
Harris’s team hopes to provoke Trump into erratic behavior, while Trump’s strategists aim to steer the discussion toward what they see as favorable topics: the economy, immigration, and global instability.
With no additional debates planned between Harris and Trump, this encounter is set to be one of the most high-stakes 90 minutes in recent American political history. Here’s what to watch for:
Will Trump Maintain Control?
Trump’s 2020 debate performance, marked by aggressive interruptions and erratic behavior, is still fresh in the minds of his advisers. Despite acknowledging his poor performance privately, Trump’s team worries about his potential lack of restraint, especially given his past contentious exchanges with female opponents, like Hillary Clinton. Harris’s team is hoping Trump will revert to his 2020 debate style.
Muted Mics: Impact on Debate Dynamics?
Efforts to keep the candidates’ microphones on only when speaking have been unsuccessful, a rule Harris’s team hoped would provoke Trump into more frequent interruptions. Trump has shown disdain for Harris privately and has made crude remarks about her, but his advisers have urged him to avoid personal attacks during the debate.
Harris’s Response to Trump’s Tactics
Harris’s debate skills have evolved since her 2019 primary debates, but facing Trump, a master of media manipulation, presents a unique challenge. How she handles unexpected attacks and unscripted moments will be crucial, especially given Trump’s propensity for breaking conventional debate norms.
Who Will Seize the Viral Moment?
The debate is expected to attract a massive audience, with viewers focusing on key, memorable moments. Past debates have featured memorable lines that defined the night, such as Ronald Reagan’s retort to Walter Mondale in 1984 or Joe Biden’s “Will you shut up, man?” in 2020. The candidates will be aiming to create a defining moment that resonates with viewers.
Will Trump Link Harris to Biden’s Record?
Trump’s team aims to tie Harris to the unpopular aspects of Biden’s presidency, including high inflation, ongoing conflicts, and immigration issues. Harris will likely counter by highlighting Trump’s role in obstructing immigration reforms and defending her policy positions.
Harris’s Balancing Act: Aligning with Biden Yet Distancing Herself
Harris faces the delicate task of supporting Biden while addressing voter dissatisfaction with the current administration. She must navigate this balance to appeal to voters seeking change without alienating those who view Biden positively.
Abortion Policy: Harris on Offense
Harris is expected to target Trump on abortion, emphasizing his role in overturning Roe v. Wade and his controversial past statements on the issue. Trump will likely counter by focusing on state control over abortion and highlighting his support for in vitro fertilization.
Economic Debate: Key Issues at Play
Trump will likely attack Harris over inflation and economic issues, contrasting the pre-pandemic era with the current economic climate. Harris will need to address these concerns by pointing to the economic challenges inherited from Trump’s presidency and presenting her solutions for current economic issues.
Race and Gender Dynamics
The debate between Trump, a white male, and Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, will inevitably be viewed through the lens of race and gender. Harris’s handling of Trump’s attacks will be scrutinized for how effectively she manages these dynamics while staying focused on policy and vision.
This debate is set to be a defining moment in the lead-up to the election, with significant implications for both candidates’ campaigns and the broader political landscape.
Reid J. Epstein covers campaigns and elections from Washington. Before joining The Times in 2019, he worked at The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Newsday, and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Jonathan Swan is a political reporter covering the 2024 presidential election and Donald Trump’s campaign.
