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Tuesday’s presidential debate in Philadelphia will offer a rare spectacle: a face-off between two candidates with substantial White House experience. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will each bring a unique perspective to the debate stage, highlighting their respective records and future visions for the country.
This debate marks only the fourth time in U.S. history that a sitting vice president has debated a former president. Historically, vice presidents running for president have had mixed success. Aaron Kall, director of the University of Michigan’s Debate Program, noted that while incumbent vice presidents often benefit from their association with successful administrations, this does not always translate into electoral victory. Only George H.W. Bush, who followed Ronald Reagan, won the presidency in this scenario.
Harris, who assumed the lead of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdrawal, faces a complex task. She must navigate the challenge of both embracing and distinguishing herself from Biden’s record. This includes capitalizing on successful policies like the bipartisan infrastructure bill while addressing criticisms related to rising prices and immigration.
Experts like Kathleen Hall Jamieson from the Annenberg Public Policy Center suggest that Harris will need to carefully balance affirming the achievements of the Biden administration with presenting her own vision. The debate will test how effectively she can use Biden’s successes while distancing herself from his administration’s shortcomings.
The debate also presents a significant challenge for Trump, who has already spent the campaign touting his past presidency and criticizing the current administration. Trump’s record, including two impeachments and ongoing legal troubles, will likely be a focal point. His campaign strategy has involved attacking Biden and Harris, and it remains to be seen how he will handle the scrutiny of his own record in the debate.
Trump’s extensive debate experience, having participated in six debates over the past eight years, contrasts with Harris’s lack of recent debate exposure. Her last debate was during the 2019 Democratic primaries, making her preparation and performance under intense scrutiny.
Kall highlights that Harris’s younger age and distinct personal story might allow her to draw a contrast with Trump, who is significantly older. This age difference, combined with Harris’s unique background, could help her craft a narrative that resonates with voters looking for a fresh perspective.
As both candidates prepare for the debate, they will need to address key issues and appeal to undecided voters who are pivotal in swing states. Voters will be closely watching how Harris and Trump handle their respective pasts and present their visions for the future. The debate could play a crucial role in shaping the final stretch of the 2024 presidential race.
Ultimately, while both Harris and Trump have substantial records to address, the debate’s outcome will likely hinge on how effectively they communicate their plans moving forward and connect with the electorate’s concerns.