The presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Tuesday night revealed more than just their policy differences. How each candidate spent their time during the debate’s commercial breaks was a telling sign of their personalities and priorities. According to a pool report from CBS News journalist Sara Cook, Trump and Harris didn’t speak or even glance at each other during both breaks. Their actions during the second break, however, painted a very different picture of each candidate.
When the moderators announced the second break, Trump’s actions revealed signs of stress and frustration. Cook described how, as soon as the stagehand announced a four-minute break, Trump “gave a big sigh through closed lips” and walked off stage without looking back. His body language suggested he was not handling the debate well. Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele later commented on Trump’s demeanor, saying Trump looked “small, beaten, and pissed.”
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE 2ND COMMERCIAL BREAK? Per pooler @saraecook of @cbsnews:
“The second the stage hand said they were clear for a 4 minute break, Trump turned towards the exit, gave a big sigh through closed lips, and walked off stage without looking at Harris.
“From the…
— Ed O’Keefe (@edokeefe) September 11, 2024
This reaction from Trump fits a pattern of behavior seen in past debates. In 2020, Trump interrupted and insulted Joe Biden during their debate, a performance that left many viewers unimpressed. His erratic behavior and refusal to follow debate rules led to widespread criticism, with even some Republicans expressing disappointment in his conduct.
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In contrast, Kamala Harris used the break to stay focused on the task at hand. Cook reported that Harris immediately began writing on her notepad when the break started. For the first two minutes, she wrote continuously, occasionally bringing her hand to her chin or brushing her hair back. She then reviewed her notes for another minute, making small tweaks before putting down her pen and taking a moment to gather herself.
This scene shows a stark difference between the two candidates. Harris was clearly prepared and engaged, using every moment to stay focused and refine her performance. Her experience as a prosecutor, where staying calm and composed under pressure is crucial, was on full display. One Twitter user, @TulsaTeresa, even noted, “That is what great litigators do when the jury takes a break. She is a pro.”
That is what great litigators do when the jury takes a break. She is a pro. She has done this hundreds of times. She is great at what she does. #VoteHarrisWalz2024
— TulsaTeresa (@TulsaTeresa) September 11, 2024
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such contrasts between Trump and his opponents. During his 2016 debates against Hillary Clinton, Trump famously wandered the stage while Clinton delivered her points, visibly unsettled by her calm, collected demeanor. His aggressive and unprofessional behavior has been a consistent feature of his public appearances, and Tuesday’s debate was no exception.
Harris, on the other hand, represents a new era of leadership. Her professionalism, focus, and poise are qualities that many Americans find refreshing, especially in contrast to Trump’s chaotic style. As one Twitter user, @fuller_sean, put it: “This woman is an absolute workhorse. It might be the case that we as Americans may need to convince ourselves that we are WORTHY of her leading this nation.”
I got chills. This woman is an absolute workhorse. It might be the case that we as Americans may need to convince ourselves that we are WORTHY of her leading this nation. We are like an abused spouse. Or at least that’s how I feel
— Michael Datsun (@fuller_sean) September 11, 2024
Trump’s behavior during the debate reflects the broader issues within the Republican Party. Over the past few years, the GOP has struggled to maintain a cohesive identity. Under Trump’s leadership, the party has shifted further toward extremism, alienating moderate voters. His mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, refusal to accept the 2020 election results, and failure to denounce violent right-wing groups have all contributed to the party’s declining reputation.
The Democratic Party, under leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, has focused on rebuilding trust in government, expanding healthcare, and addressing climate change. While Trump continues to double down on divisive rhetoric, Harris offers a vision of unity and progress.
As Michael Steele bluntly put it, “And there’s nothing worse than a pissed bigot on the stage with a woman he can’t control.” This sentiment captures the frustration many Americans feel about Trump’s behavior and the direction of the Republican Party.
The way Trump and Harris spent their commercial breaks during the debate may seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about their leadership styles. Trump’s stress and frustration reflect a candidate struggling to stay in control, while Harris’ calm focus shows a leader ready to take on the challenges ahead. The choice in 2024 couldn’t be clearer.
Featured image via Screengrab
