CNN anchor Abby Phillip recently discussed the potential challenges Vice President Kamala Harris could face if she debates former President Donald Trump. Phillip warned that Harris cannot afford to ignore Trump on stage, describing him as “very persistent” and noting his ability to dominate discussions with his loud and assertive style. This caution comes after Harris dismissed Trump’s comments about her racial identity during a CNN interview, labeling his remarks as part of a “tired playbook” and refusing to engage further.
Phillip emphasized that during a debate, Trump would be directly on stage, making it difficult for Harris to simply brush off his attacks or change the topic. The discussion around Harris’s strategy featured differing opinions from CNN political commentators. Some suggested that Harris should rise above Trump’s provocations to avoid looking like she’s being bullied, while others supported her decision to pivot away from responding to Trump’s personal jabs.
Former National Coalitions Director for Biden-Harris 2020, Ashley Allison, suggested that Harris should allow Trump to appear aggressive and maintain her composure, which would contrast Trump’s behavior unfavorably. In contrast, CNN analyst David Axelrod supported Harris’s approach in her interview, arguing that focusing on substantive issues rather than engaging with Trump’s provocations could resonate more with voters.
The debate, scheduled for September 10, is expected to highlight these contrasting styles, with Harris needing to balance her responses to avoid appearing dismissive while not allowing Trump to dominate the discussion. The strategies employed by both candidates could significantly impact public perception and the overall dynamics of the debate.
