Trump Teams Up With Tulsi Gabbard
Former President Donald Trump is enlisting the help of Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, as he gears up for his debate preparations. Gabbard, who severed her ties with the Democratic Party in 2020, has maintained a close relationship with Trump since then. According to the New York Times, she participated in at least one of Trump’s debate prep sessions leading up to the presidential debate scheduled for September 10 on ABC News.
Gabbard made a notable impression during the 2020 presidential primary debates with her sharp critiques, particularly aimed at then-Senator Kamala Harris. The two clashed over issues such as foreign policy and criminal justice reform, with Gabbard’s direct and incisive debating style earning her significant attention.
The Trump campaign has reportedly chosen Gabbard for her proven debate prowess and her ability to challenge opponents effectively. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that Gabbard joined the debate prep sessions in Florida. She highlighted Trump’s reputation as an exceptional debater, emphasizing his previous success against Joe Biden. Leavitt stated, “President Trump has demonstrated time and again that he excels in debates, and while he does not rely on traditional debate preparation, he values the insights of respected policy advisors and communicators like Tulsi Gabbard, who skillfully challenged Kamala Harris during the 2020 debates.”
In contrast, Democrats are framing the upcoming race as a contest between a prosecutor and a convicted felon. Yet, it was Kamala Harris’s prosecutorial record that was scrutinized during the 2020 primaries. Gabbard had criticized Harris for her handling of criminal justice issues, accusing her of putting thousands behind bars for marijuana offenses and other alleged injustices.
Trump’s approach to debate preparation contrasts sharply with that of his opponents. He has often claimed that he does not require conventional prep sessions, instead referring to his practice as “policy time.” Prior to his debate with Biden in June, Trump did not engage in mock debates but focused on refining his policy arguments.
In comparison, Biden’s preparation for his debates involved extensive rehearsal, including mock debates where aides played Trump. Despite this effort, Biden’s performance was widely criticized, leading to his exit from the race. Some insiders suggested that Biden’s over-preparation might have contributed to his lackluster performance.
As Trump continues his unconventional approach to debate preparation, his reliance on figures like Tulsi Gabbard reflects his strategy of leveraging experienced communicators to refine his arguments and bolster his debate skills.
