Harris’s Debate Strategy: Contrasting Trump on Policy and Personality

Vice President Kamala Harris is dedicating much of Friday to preparing for the upcoming ABC News presidential debate in Pittsburgh. She is engaged in a series of strategy and policy sessions with her team, as reported by a source close to her.

As she gears up for the debate on Tuesday, Harris plans to introduce herself to voters, showcasing her personal story, accomplishments, and future plans. A significant component of her strategy involves contrasting her vision with that of former President Donald Trump, according to the source.

Harris’ team recognizes that many Americans may not be fully aware of her background. Therefore, she intends to emphasize her middle-class upbringing and her experience as a former prosecutor, attorney general, and senator. The source mentioned that Harris will also highlight her achievements in these roles, including her efforts to hold big banks accountable and combat transnational gangs.

The presidential debate is scheduled for September 10 at 9 p.m. ET, airing on ABC and streaming on platforms like ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.

In addition to sharing her background, Harris aims to present her roadmap for the future, focusing on her economic policies. Her agenda includes lowering prices, assisting middle-class families, and supporting small businesses. It is noted that she does not plan to introduce any new policies during the debate.

Another essential element of Harris’ strategy is the emphasis on the differences between herself and Trump. According to the source, she will position herself as a leader focused on the interests of the American people, in contrast to Trump, whom she will portray as self-serving.

Harris plans to characterize Trump as dark and divisive, while presenting herself as optimistic and forward-looking, aiming to appeal to voters seeking a positive vision for the future.

To bolster her preparations, Harris has enlisted Philippe Reines, a former aide to Hillary Clinton, to play the role of Trump during mock debates. Reines adopts a method acting approach to his role, even donning a long red tie similar to Trump’s signature style.