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With the 2024 presidential race intensifying, all eyes will be on the pivotal discussion between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, which is scheduled to occur in Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center. With only eight weeks until Election Day and early voting starting in some battleground states, the debate is anticipated to be crucial in influencing voters’ opinions and possibly the result of the election.
Strategists and allies from both sides are closely analyzing the debate preparations and offering advice on how each candidate should approach the crucial face-off. Veteran GOP strategist and Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks emphasized the debate’s significance, noting that it could frame the race in voters’ minds and have a decisive impact. Republican consultant Ari Fleischer added that the debate will be a critical opportunity for Harris to establish her position, as many Americans are still relatively unfamiliar with her compared to Trump.
For Trump, the debate presents a chance to reinforce his policy positions and contrasts with Harris. Fleischer recommended that Trump focus on policy issues, similar to his approach in the first debate against President Biden. He stressed that clear distinctions on policy will resonate with voters. Trump’s former running mate, Senator Tim Scott, and ally Senator Tom Cotton echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Trump’s well-known positions and track record will be a central theme in the debate.
Trump’s approach to preparation has been less formal compared to Harris’s intensive “debate camp.” While Harris has been sequestered in a Pittsburgh hotel for rigorous mock debates, Trump has been balancing less formal policy sessions with campaign rallies. Despite the informal nature of Trump’s prep, his campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, assured that Trump is ready and confident.
The debate will be a test of Harris’s ability to stand on her own, especially given the momentum she has gained since replacing President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. For Trump, it’s an opportunity to reassert his political dominance and capitalize on his extensive debate experience. With both candidates preparing to showcase their strengths, the outcome of this debate could be a game-changer in the tight 2024 race.