Trump and Harris: The Real Showdown Begins on Tuesday

7th September 2024

4 minutes read

Trump and Harris: The Real Showdown Begins on Tuesday

It won’t be just a debate between presidential candidates, but rather a “war” where each side will be fortified not only with their plans but also with intelligence and quick wit.

Next Tuesday will mark the first direct confrontation between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. It is certain that this day will be far from ordinary.

With about two months to go before the U.S. presidential elections, all eyes are on this crucial day in the “electoral calendar,” where the two candidates will face off in a debate scheduled to take place in Philadelphia.

But how have the candidates prepared for one of the most anticipated encounters of this election, and for this “match” that will play a major role in shaping voters’ opinions?

Defense and Attack Plans

The debate is set to take place next Tuesday on ABC at 9 PM Eastern Time, hosted by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As Pennsylvania is considered one of the swing states, holding the debate on its turf could play a significant role in determining the election outcome there.

Regarding preparations, Harris has shown high enthusiasm this week, unveiling her plans two days ago to support small businesses in the United States.

This comes as part of her economic policy presentation ahead of the crucial debate, which has generated widespread excitement since she replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic party’s nominee, promising an “opportunity economy.”

Although she has faced criticism over the details of implementing this, she asserts that her program is feasible and that reducing taxes and easing bureaucratic hurdles for small businesses, for example, will not be impossible.

Taxes are a major focus for both candidates, as they understand their importance in attracting voters. Trump accuses the Democratic candidate of copying the policy of eliminating tips tax for service workers, while he promises tax cuts for various income brackets.

Meanwhile, Harris is aiming to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy.

“Problems”

Reports indicate that Harris will remain in New Hampshire to prepare for the debate after a campaign visit to Pittsburgh, the second city she has visited this week after appearing alongside Joe Biden on Monday.

At 59 years old, Harris has changed the game for Trump (78 years old), who was leading in the polls until Biden withdrew from the race six weeks ago, allowing Harris to take his place.

A recent USA Today and Suffolk University poll reveals that Harris leads Trump with 48% to 43%, an eight-point lead compared to late June, when Trump was ahead of Biden.

The poll indicates she has gained ground among significant groups such as Latinos, Blacks, and young people.

Trump criticized Harris before her visit to the state, talking about “problems her campaign is facing in New Hampshire.”

He attributed this to Biden‘s cancellation of New Hampshire’s traditional role as the first state to hold primary elections and to the cost of living in the state.

However, New Hampshire is not considered a critical state for the upcoming November 5 elections, having voted Democratic for the past twenty years.

Election forecasting expert Larry Sabato recently changed its classification from “leans Democratic” to “likely Democratic.”

Harris‘s preparations recall the week Biden spent at Camp David in Maryland while preparing for his disastrous debate with Trump on June 27, which effectively ended his presidential campaign.

Harris will rely on advisor Karen Dunn, who led the preparations for Barack Obama’s 2012 debate and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 debate, as well as senior advisor Rohini Kosoglu.

Trump, on his part, stated that he is preparing as he did for his encounter with Biden, participating in campaign discussions and holding meetings to discuss policy with a group of advisors.

Rules

ABC has set strict rules for the debate. Similar to the Biden–Trump face-off, each candidate’s microphone will be turned off when it is not their turn to speak.

There will be no audience in the hall, no opening statements, with each side given two minutes for closing statements.

No written notes will be allowed, and each candidate will have two minutes to answer each question, with the other candidate given two minutes to respond as well, and an additional minute for follow-ups or clarifications.

With many red lines for this debate, Democrats hope it will serve as a way to “avenge” Biden against Trump, while Republicans rely on it to confirm their candidate’s “victory” over the American president.