Ex-Commerce Secretary Cautions Trump Against Overly ‘Strong’ Debate Tactics

Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, an official who served during the Trump administration, has issued a warning to Donald Trump regarding his upcoming debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Ross cautioned that Trump should avoid coming across as overly aggressive or dominant in the discourse.

During a recent interview on “The Cats Roundtable” on WABC 770 AM, Ross stated, “The only danger is Trump being big and strong and a man.” He emphasized the importance of Trump being mindful of how he interacts with Harris, noting that “people don’t like to see a woman pushed too hard.”

Ross’s remarks come in the context of the first live debate between Trump and Harris, scheduled for September 10 on ABC News. This debate will mark a significant moment, being their first direct confrontation since Biden’s last debate, which had considerable repercussions for his reelection campaign.

The preparations for the debate have sparked intense discussions and disagreements between the two campaigns. A crucial point of contention has been whether microphones will be muted while the opposing candidate speaks. There are also questions regarding Trump’s participation in the event.

The Harris campaign is advocating for the microphones to remain active throughout the debate, arguing this could highlight instances of Trump interrupting the Vice President. This strategy aims to show voters their interaction style and enhance the viewing experience.

Both candidates recognize the stakes of this upcoming debate. It provides Harris with a valuable platform to share her policy initiatives with the electorate while simultaneously presenting an opportunity for her to challenge Trump as recent polls indicate a boost in her popularity.

Ross stressed that the focus of the debate should shift from theatrics to substantive issues that concern everyday Americans. Topics such as inflation, foreign relations, and the situation at the southern border should be at the forefront, as these are vital topics that resonate deeply with the public.

In recent discussions, the Trump campaign has aimed to scrutinize Harris for what they describe as a significant shift in her policy positions since she campaigned during the Democratic primary for the 2020 election. Despite this, Harris maintains that her “values have not changed.”

Ross advised Trump to “smoke her out” regarding her position on key issues, suggesting that he should hold her accountable during their debate to truly engage in a meaningful dialogue. He said, “I think if he sticks to those issues, I think he’ll do just fine.”

The upcoming debate presents both Trump and Harris with a unique opportunity to connect with voters on pressing issues and demonstrate their readiness for the challenges ahead. As the political landscape continues to shift, how each candidate presents their case could significantly influence public sentiment leading into the election.

In anticipation of this crucial debate, both teams are sharpening their strategies and preparing for a high-stakes confrontation that could have lasting implications for the upcoming election. The public eagerly awaits to see how these two formidable figures will navigate their differences while trying to appeal to the collective concerns of American voters.