Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris stands on the brink of what promises to be one of the most scrutinized debates in political history, going up against former President Donald Trump. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially since her preparation has mirrored some of the blunders that led to President Biden’s disappointing reelection campaign. With just weeks left before the debate, she seems to be following in the footsteps of a sinking ship, relying more on scripted remarks than genuine interaction with the public.
It’s been a full twenty-two days since Harris clinched her nomination, yet she apparently believes she can play hide and seek with the media. No solo interviews, no serious questions from reporters, and no spontaneous connections with voters have marked her campaign trail. Instead, she’s been hiding behind notes and scripted responses. While her silence may come from a strategic plan, it has left her vulnerable and set her up for a disastrous performance when she finally steps into the spotlight.
.@KamalaHarris risks raising stakes for debate by repeating @JoeBiden missteps https://t.co/zToupfglYL
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 30, 2024
Harris’s team seems to have created a bubble of safety around her, reminiscent of Biden’s misguided approach. Given that he crumbled under the pressure when the cameras turned on, Harris is only raising the stakes for herself. As long as she avoids challenging interviews and casual exchanges, the public’s curiosity will continue to mount. And when she faces Trump on stage, that pressure cooker experience could lead to a spectacular meltdown—far more catastrophic than a flubbed line here or there.
Political analysts have drawn parallels between Harris and a certain baseball player who skips batting practice only to find himself in the seventh game of the World Series. The analogy isn’t lost on anyone familiar with Harris’s debate prep. A top-notch performance is crucial, especially considering that voters are hungry for any indication of how she thinks on her feet. But after months of being tucked away from public scrutiny, her ability to relay complex ideas without a teleprompter is a giant question mark created by her own secrecy.
Harris’s campaign has responded to this growing pressure with promises of media appearances, but instead, she’s opted for joint interviews with other candidates, further distancing herself from hard-hitting questions. It’s reminiscent of a student who only shows up for group project meetings, hoping the rest will do the heavy lifting while she quietly bides her time. If she truly wants to connect with voters, doing so alongside others might not be the best strategy, as it robs her of the opportunity to shine on her own.
As the debate approaches, this “curiosity gap” can only be filled with more tightrope walking and precision preparation. Her extensive media coaching may polish her presentation, but there’s no substitute for real-world experience. If Harris’s debate performance falls short, she risks the same blame game that plagued Biden, who exhausted every excuse in the book when things went south after intensive preparation.
In stark contrast, Trump embraces a candid and carefree approach. He’s been broadcasting his lack of preparation like a badge of honor, which ironically may give him an edge. With the bar set high for Trump due to his established persona, he’s primed to ease into the fray with less pressure than the Vice President. His fewer appearances may allow voters to see him as a known entity while Harris must face her fears of appearing inept or unprepared.
Ultimately, the debate offers Harris a chance to prove herself, but it does little to build upon her known skillset. Her history of memorable quips, while entertaining, merely scrapes the surface. Against Trump, the stakes are now about substance over style. Whether she can deliver coherent and meaningful arguments without falling back into the comfort of notes will be a pivotal moment in her campaign—and an opportunity for her critics to pounce. As the countdown to the debate continues, it remains to be seen if Harris can rise to the occasion or if she will echo Biden’s own lack of preparedness on the stage.
