Hillary Clinton’s Debate Tips: Kamala Harris Should ‘Bait’ Trump
With the upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump just around the corner, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has shared her strategic insights on how the Vice President should approach the high-stakes showdown. Clinton, who faced Trump in three intense debates during the 2016 presidential election, has advised Harris to leverage her prosecutorial skills to effectively challenge Trump.
Clinton’s Strategic Advice for Harris
Hillary Clinton, who has been vocal about her experiences debating Donald Trump, believes that Harris’s background as a prosecutor gives her a significant advantage. According to Clinton, Harris should aim to “bait” Trump, a tactic she used to great effect in her own debates.
Key Points from Clinton’s Advice
- Use Prosecutorial Skills: Clinton suggests that Harris should harness her experience as a former prosecutor to deliver direct and substantive attacks against Trump.
- Rattle Trump: Clinton points out that Trump has shown he can be rattled by strong, direct questioning. She recalled how her own pointed questions during the 2016 debates seemed to unsettle him.
- Focus on Contrast: Clinton emphasises that Harris should highlight the contrasts between her vision and Trump’s, particularly to appeal to undecided voters in crucial swing states.
The 2016 Debate Dynamics
In her 2016 debates with Trump, Clinton faced a similarly volatile opponent. She recalls using pointed criticisms, such as accusing Trump of being a “puppet” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which seemed to throw him off balance.
Clinton’s Observations on Trump’s Debate Style
- Controlling the Tone: Trump has historically tried to dominate the debate stage with interruptions and aggressive tactics. In the 2020 debates against Joe Biden, Trump frequently interrupted Biden, which led to a memorable exchange where Biden told Trump to “shut up.”
- Biden’s Debate Performance: Biden’s performance in a crucial debate against Trump was widely viewed as lacking, contributing to his decision to step down as the 2024 Democratic nominee in favour of Harris.
Harris vs. Trump: What to Expect
The debate scheduled for Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is set to be a critical moment in the presidential race. Both candidates are expected to be highly prepared, and the stakes are incredibly high.
Key Considerations for Harris
- Preparation: Harris should be well-prepared to counter Trump’s interruptions and maintain focus on delivering her key messages.
- Highlighting Differences: Emphasising differences between her policies and Trump’s will be crucial in swaying undecided voters.
- Managing the Debate’s Tone: Harris must navigate the debate’s dynamics carefully, especially given Trump’s tendency to dominate discussions.
The Importance of This Debate
This debate is not just about presenting policies; it’s also about showcasing leadership qualities and debating skills. Harris’s ability to effectively counter Trump’s tactics could be pivotal in shaping voter perceptions as the election approaches.
Final Thoughts
Hillary Clinton’s advice to Kamala Harris offers valuable insights into navigating debates with Donald Trump. By using her prosecutorial skills and focusing on strategic attacks, Harris can aim to unsettle Trump and make a compelling case to voters. The upcoming debate will be a significant test of Harris’s ability to engage with Trump and present a strong alternative to his vision.
