Who Won The Presidential Debate: Trump or Kamala?

House Democrats Tell Kamala To Do What?

As the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump approaches, House Democrats are rallying behind Harris, hoping she will decisively outmaneuver Trump. They see this debate as a critical opportunity for Harris to highlight the contrasts between her policy vision and Trump’s approach, which they argue lacks depth and substance.

The debate, scheduled to air on ABC News, will allow Harris and Trump to lay out their policy agendas ahead of the November 5th election. Trump is anticipated to launch personal and political attacks against Harris, but Democrats are confident that Harris will maintain her composure and clearly articulate her vision for America. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) emphasized that Harris will use this platform to present her policies and demonstrate her readiness for the presidency.

In contrast, many Republicans view this debate as a pivotal moment for the election. They argue that it represents a crucial “reset” following the post-Labor Day period and will help voters decide who is best suited to lead the country. The debate will provide Harris with a chance to address significant issues such as immigration and the economy—key topics in the 2024 race.

Democratic strategists believe that Harris’s performance could bolster her standing, particularly in key areas like economic policy and housing. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) suggests that Harris should focus on contrasting Trump’s abrasive style with her positive vision for the future. Ocasio-Cortez criticizes Trump for his alleged attempts to distract from his legal troubles and believes Harris should stay focused on delivering her message.

Democrats are energized by Harris’s candidacy, viewing her as a strong, younger alternative to the incumbent President Joe Biden, who faced criticism over his debate performances and age. Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) highlighted the debate as an opportunity to showcase Harris as a capable and experienced prosecutor compared to Trump, who has faced multiple felony charges.

Representatives like Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) are particularly enthusiastic about Harris’s chance to stand out. Frost sees the debate as a moment for Harris to emphasize her detailed policy proposals on housing and other key issues, which he believes will distinguish her from Trump. Crockett shares this view, noting that while she expects Harris to address Trump’s weaknesses, the debate should also emphasize Harris’s own agenda and policy positions.

Overall, while some Democrats are cautious about placing too much weight on the debate’s impact, acknowledging that debates often do not sway the overall outcome significantly, they recognize it as a valuable chance for Harris to solidify her appeal to undecided and independent voters. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD) suggests that while the debate may not drastically shift voter opinions, it provides Harris an opportunity to reinforce her campaign message and connect with voters who are still on the fence.