Vice President Kamala Harris is set to join a select group of women who have faced former President Donald Trump in a presidential debate. The only other woman to do so is Hillary Clinton, who recently had a phone conversation with Harris to share insights. While the details of their discussion remain undisclosed, sources suggest that Clinton advised Harris on the effectiveness of baiting Trump during debates.
Clinton highlighted a past debate moment where Trump made disparaging remarks, emphasizing the importance of creating impactful exchanges. Robby Mook, Clinton's former campaign manager, explained that debate preparation involves planning specific moments to resonate with voters, especially those who rely on social media for news.
Consulting with experienced debaters like Clinton is crucial for Harris as she gears up to face Trump. Mook stressed the significance of leveraging Clinton's unique perspective as the only woman who debated Trump in a general election context.
Reflecting on the evolving political landscape since 2016, Mook advised Harris to focus on creating memorable contrasts with Trump on key issues like the middle class and women's healthcare. He cautioned that Trump's disruptive behavior could overshadow substantive discussions, urging Harris to navigate these challenges adeptly.
Mook underscored the need for Harris to break through Trump's distractions and deliver a clear message to engage with voters who are still unfamiliar with her. Drawing parallels to past debates, he emphasized the importance of capturing viewers' attention while ensuring that substantive policy discussions are not overshadowed by Trump's theatrics.
