Experts weigh in on Kamala Harris‘ preparedness for televised debate.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to participate in her highest-stakes debate yet against former President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Those who have faced or trained Harris highlight her ability to blend narratives with facts and policy details to make a compelling argument before a large audience.
She aims to win on merit while leaving viewers with clear takeaways, according to a former aide. Experts note her skill in deductive reasoning and storytelling.
Harris shone in past primary debates through knowledge and explaining positions well. She has shown poise under pressure from critics on past policy stances.
Landing memorable lines involves patience and timing her attacks, observers said, pointing to her takedown of Joe Biden on race in 2019 and framing of Pence as interruptive in 2020.
While debates have put her on the defensive at times, Harris displays skill with silence, facial expressions, and non-verbal cues to convey disapproval and defuse attacks.
However, Trump presents a new challenge as a “crafty” presence who veers off-topic. Preparation is difficult against unpredictable rhetoric.
Democrats stressed the magnitude of countering Trump’s “shows” and not getting distracted from the issues facing voters.
Experts and competitors agree Harris is well-suited for the high-stakes platform but must maintain focus against a rival like no other.
