Vice President Kamala Harris faces her biggest political challenge yet as she prepares to debate former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. With the 2024 election hanging in the balance, Harris must prove she's ready for the presidency while fending off Trump's aggressive tactics.
The Stakes
Harris revitalized the Democratic campaign after President Biden's poor debate performance against Trump in June led to his withdrawal. She's unified the party and made several swing states competitive again. However, a clear path to 270 electoral votes remains elusive, making tonight's debate crucial.
Harris's Challenges
Harris enters this debate with less top-level political experience than Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden had when facing Trump. Her performance in spontaneous situations has been inconsistent, raising questions about her debate skills. Additionally, she must prepare for Trump's known tactics, including personal attacks and the use of racial and gendered tropes.
Opportunities for Harris
Despite these challenges, Harris has significant opportunities. A recent poll found that 28% of likely voters want to learn more about her, compared to just 9% for Trump. This gives her a chance to introduce herself and her vision to a receptive audience. Harris has also shown more concern for voters' economic challenges than Biden did, potentially connecting with those struggling with issues like high grocery prices and housing costs. Perhaps most importantly, she can present herself as an alternative to the chaos that characterized Trump's first term.
Key Strategies
To succeed, Harris needs to strike a balance between rebutting Trump's attacks and emphasizing her own message. She must also address the contradiction of running as an agent of change while being part of the current administration. Another challenge will be explaining her evolving positions on issues like fracking and immigration, which Trump is likely to highlight as flip-flops.
Trump's Approach
The Trump campaign has expressed confidence heading into the debate, with the former president saying, "I'm going to let her talk." They've criticized Harris's political skills and her role in the Biden administration's economic policies, which they blame for America's current economic challenges.
The Bottom Line
Tonight's debate is Harris's chance to prove she's ready for the presidency and to make a compelling case to undecided voters. With polls showing a tight race, a strong performance could give Democrats the boost they need.
CNN contributed to this article.
