Kamala Harris Prepares Intensely for High-Stakes Debate Against Trump on September 10

Kamala Harris is preparing intensely for her upcoming presidential debate against Donald Trump on September 10. According to sources close to her, Harris and her team view this debate as a crucial opportunity to remind voters of the impact of Trump’s presidency.

Harris plans to focus on key issues such as Trump’s role in Republicans backing out of a bipartisan border bill and to clearly articulate how her presidency would benefit everyday Americans. Her strategy also involves maintaining composure in the face of expected personal attacks, as her team emphasizes the importance of her appearing as a “real person.”

The debate, which will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and be broadcast by ABC, is highly anticipated as it will be the first formal meeting between Harris and Trump. Harris has been rigorously preparing for the debate, engaging in at least two mock debates with a small group of advisers.

Philippe Reines, who previously played Trump in practice debates for Hillary Clinton, is playing Trump in Harris’s mock sessions, even dressing the part to simulate the experience more closely.

Trump, contrasting Harris’s approach, has reportedly taken a more relaxed stance toward preparation. His national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, claims that Trump doesn’t need traditional debate prep due to his extensive experience and natural debate skills.

Trump himself has said that he’s not spending much time preparing, asserting that his whole life has been preparation for debates. Despite this, reports indicate that Trump has had former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard play Harris in at least one practice session.

Gabbard was chosen for this role due to her strong performance in a 2019 primary debate where she criticized Harris’s record as a prosecutor. While Trump’s team believes this practice might give him an edge, there’s still uncertainty about whether Trump will manage to avoid his characteristic unpredictable and often controversial debate behavior.

Past debates have seen Trump engaging in unsettling actions, such as physically intimidating his opponent and making divisive comments, which have contributed to his controversial debate persona.

As the debate approaches, both candidates are preparing in very different ways, with Harris focused on disciplined preparation and Trump relying on his experience and instinct. The debate is expected to be a significant moment in the campaign, as it will highlight the stark contrasts between the two candidates both in style and substance.