Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are about to face off for the first time in a high stakes televised debate on ABC in Philadelphia. It’s a moment some Republicans are dreading, fearing that Trump’s unpredictable nature and penchant for personal attacks might derail what could be a pivotal opportunity for him to regain ground in the 2024 presidential race.
GOP insiders are advising Trump to avoid falling into old habits. They’re pushing him to stay focused on policy and avoid engaging in personal jabs at Harris, a tactic that’s earned him backlash in the past. Tricia McLaughlin, a former senior adviser on Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, summed up the sentiment: “I pray he can be disciplined.” But she quickly added that if Trump feels cornered by Harris and the moderators, all bets could be off.
This debate marks the first televised presidential showdown since June, when President Joe Biden faced Trump in Atlanta. Biden’s faltering performance, marred by slurred words and visible fatigue, led him to drop out of the race, urging Democrats to rally behind Harris. For Harris, this is her moment to introduce herself to undecided voters and solidify her standing as the Democratic nominee. Republicans know that Trump’s brand is well-established, but Harris remains something of a wild card in the public’s perception. GOP consultant Ryan Williams warned that Trump must focus on appearing composed and ready to lead rather than feeding into any impulsive outbursts.
During the June debate, Trump surprised many by holding back on personal insults and keeping the focus on policy issues like immigration and the economy. But with Harris now in the picture, some Republicans are concerned that Trump might struggle to resist going personal. Newt Gingrich pointed out that Harris has a reputation for being aggressive in debates, referencing her interrogation of Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. Gingrich advised Trump to present himself as a seasoned leader while portraying Harris as untested and less experienced.
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But Harris isn’t the only one Republicans are worried about. Trump’s close allies acknowledge that his ability to stay focused and avoid provocations will make or break his performance. “If he can resist the bait and stick to the issues, he could open the door for swing voters frustrated with the economy and immigration to come over to his side,” said a Trump adviser.
Rob Stutzman, a Republican consultant from California, was an adviser for another Trump rival, Mitt Romney, during his 2008 campaign. He seemed to take a jab at Trump, noting how Harris could cause him to stumble.
“Harris will want to make personality the issue, which is hard for him to resist, but it will be a bad night for him if he falls back on hurling absurd insults at her. She can deliver a set piece in a debate. Will he be able to resist taking the bait? Doubt it. He’ll more likely be like a lab rat hitting the cocaine pan instead of the food pan.”
There’s no audience at Tuesday’s debate, and candidates won’t have any notes or props at the podium. Trump will close the night, delivering the final statement, while Harris will appear on the right side of viewers’ screens. The stakes are high—possibly the only time these two will meet face-to-face before voters head to the polls.
Trump’s team insists that he’s prepared for this moment. According to campaign insiders, he’s been reviewing policy specifics and working with senior staff to sharpen his approach. But it’s clear the challenge will be staying within the bounds of discipline. As one GOP strategist put it, “The real question isn’t whether he’s prepared—it’s whether he can resist being himself.”
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
