Image credits - The New York Times
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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared her experiences and strategic advice with Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of her upcoming presidential debate with Donald Trump in a recent interview. Clinton, who debated Trump three times during the 2016 campaign, offered valuable insights drawn from her own high-stakes encounters with the former president.
Clinton recounted the unusual nature of the 2016 debates, noting that Trump ridiculed her preparation efforts. “It was the first debate when Trump literally ridiculed me for preparing,” Clinton said. She explained that the unexpected criticism was a challenge, but she maintained her focus and confidence, prepared not only for the debate but for the presidency itself. Her approach, she added, was to balance offense and defense, ensuring that Trump did not dominate the conversation.
When asked about advice for Harris, Clinton praised her as a capable debater with a strong track record from her California races and previous debate with Mike Pence. Clinton emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and being ready to handle Trump’s aggressive tactics, which often involve a scorched-earth approach aimed at dismantling opponents rather than offering substantive arguments.
Clinton noted that Trump’s strategy tends to focus on personal attacks and avoidance of specific details, urging Harris to counter this with direct, substantive critiques of Trump’s record and policies. She pointed out that Trump’s approach is often designed to unsettle opponents, suggesting that Harris should use her prosecutorial background to deliver clear, direct attacks that reveal Trump’s shortcomings.
Regarding debate preparation, Clinton mentioned Philippe Reines, a former adviser who has played Trump in practice sessions, highlighting how effectively he conveyed Trump’s debating style and mannerisms. Clinton expressed confidence that Reines’ portrayal would be similarly beneficial for Harris’s preparation.
In closing, Clinton advised Harris to remain unbaited by Trump’s provocations, using her platform to expose Trump’s weaknesses and lack of stable leadership. Clinton underscored that the debate is an opportunity to sway undecided voters in key states who might be reconsidering their support for another term under Trump.
Clinton’s advice reflects her firsthand experience and strategic approach to dealing with Trump, providing Harris with a tactical framework to navigate the upcoming debate effectively.