As preparations are underway for the upcoming debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, both political pundits and voters are brimming with excitement. Presidential debates in the US are rarely based on detailed policy discussions; instead, they are remembered for the unforgettable moments that shape public perception—be they witty retorts, confidence on stage or the ability to outwit an opponent. And as we approach this much-anticipated event, it seems clear that both Trump and Harris are preparing for this contest in very different ways.
More drama than policy: Trump’s debate strategy
A close adviser to Donald Trump has revealed that the former president is not spending his days perfecting economic plans or foreign policy strategies. Instead, he is “perfecting the drama of his performance.” If there’s one thing Trump understands, it’s the television audience. His experience in front of the camera extends far beyond his time in politics, going back to his days as a real estate mogul and reality TV star. This background has helped Trump develop the art of creating memorable moments – moments that stick in the hearts of viewers and often grab headlines after the debate.
Trump’s team seems to be banking heavily on this strength. For Trump, debates are not about who has the best plan for healthcare or taxes; rather, they mean who controls the narrative and keeps the audience engaged. His previous debate performances – during the 2016 Republican primaries and presidential debates against Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden – have shown that he thrives in chaotic, unpredictable environments where he can dominate the stage with his big personality.
Given his past performances, it’s no surprise that Trump has already taken the presidential debate stage five times and it seems he’s going with the same strategy this time around. For him, debates are a show, and his goal is to be the star. Their goal is to present themselves as confident, unflappable, and always in control, so as to intimidate their opponent or make them look weaker in comparison.
Kamala Harris: Preparing for substance and style
The challenge is different for Kamala Harris. This will be her first presidential debate, and while she’s no stranger to being thrust into the political spotlight, the stakes have never been higher. Unlike Trump, Harris has spent much of her preparation time deep in policy books. She’s been working to master the finer points of her platform and be prepared to respond with substance. But Harris’ team also understands that a policy-heavy approach alone won’t work on the debate stage — especially against someone like Trump, who thrives on theatrics.
So the Harris camp is working hard to prepare her for the performance aspect of the debate as well. They’ve reportedly done a lot to simulate a debate environment. This includes building a fake television stage with a podium and professional lighting, and even bringing in advisers to play the role of Trump. These stand-ins are said to mimic not only Trump’s debate strategy but his mannerisms, style and even his distinctive wardrobe of boxy suits and red ties.
This kind of preparation is crucial. Harris’s team is acutely aware that Trump’s debate style is more about energy and less about facts. In response, they are preparing Harris not only to respond to Trump’s attacks but also to take advantage of moments when she can appear calm, confident and authoritative without looking overly rehearsed or sounding stiff.
High stakes and pressure on Harris
For Harris, this debate represents a crucial moment in her political career. While she has been vice president for nearly four years, recent polls indicate that many Americans still feel they don’t know her well enough. This is worrisome for Democrats, especially as the race appears to be tightening. A New York Times poll earlier this week showed a tight race between Harris and Trump, increasing the pressure on the vice president to put in a strong performance.
Some Democratic strategists are already expressing their concerns. One strategist in particular pointed out that Harris seemed “shaky” in a recent CNN interview, which could spell trouble in a high-stakes debate setting. If she seems too cautious or overly focused on specifics without delivering a clear, powerful message, it could leave her vulnerable to Trump’s attacks.
Many Republicans who faced Trump in the 2016 primaries learned this lesson the hard way. An erratic or overly cautious approach allowed Trump to gain control of the narrative and turn the debate into a referendum on his opponents’ weaknesses rather than a comparison of policy proposals. Harris will need to avoid falling into this trap if she hopes to win over undecided voters and those who are still undecided.
The Theater of Political Debate
In American politics, the debate is a powerful challenge for the Republican Party.