Harris vs Trump: Insights from a Decade of Debates

Vice President Kamala Harris has long been strategizing for her debate against former President Donald Trump. In July 2019, during a Democratic primary debate on CNN, she stated that the country needed someone who could bring charges against Trump for four more years and defeat him in a debate. With over a decade of political debating experience under her belt, it will be interesting to see how Harris plans to make her case against Trump.

Harris’ previous debate appearances reveal some clues about her approach. She is known for coming prepared with memorable retorts and dozens of statistics to drive home her point and create lasting impressions long after the debates are over.

In the 2020 presidential race, Harris criticized then-president Trump as corrupt and unpatriotic, highlighting his obsession with erasing Barack Obama's accomplishments. She also claimed that Trump doesn't understand honesty while staring directly at his running mate Mike Pence during their vice-presidential debate.

Preparation seems to be key in Harris' past debates; she often comes armed with specific policy details or attacks on opponents. This meticulous preparation has led to both significant moments and others that fell flat.

During the Democratic debates, she sought distinction by detailing elements of her policy agenda, regularly using key statistics for reinforcement while repeating slogans and quotes. When asked about immigration plans during June 2019’s Democratic presidential debate stage appearance –she was ready with an answer involving DACA recipients protection restoration through executive action as well as further deportation deferrals among other things.

However, there have been instances where such clear positioning backfired as seen when she criticized Joe Biden’s opposition towards desegregating schools via federal funds busing during the first Democratic Presidential Debate in 2019 which boosted rather than helped her campaign due its somewhat muddled messaging aftermaths resulting in fading momentum eventually leading up till now where many speculate whether these positions adopted earlier might play into trump’s favor next week given they’ve since been repudiated.

Harris' most memorable debate moments have often come from breaking the fourth wall, reacting to opponents in real time and trying to get the crowd on her side. She has a knack for knowing when to strike and when to let her opponent damage themselves.

In past debates, Harris has been observed responding to criticism by taking notes. This tactic allows her to provide accurate responses such as during 2020's vice-presidential debate where she responded directly into the camera that Joe Biden will not ban fracking after being criticized about her support for the Green New Deal.

Her clashes with former Hawaii Rep Tulsi Gabbard during 2019’s debates were some of the most direct and memorable ones where she was able turn criticisms around towards building up on her own record rather than wasting energy defending it instead shifting gears onto campaign pitch ‘Kamala Harris for People’.

Whether or not Vice President Kamala Harris can use these techniques successfully against former President Donald Trump remains uncertain until their much-anticipated debate takes place. However, one thing is sure: she comes prepared with a deep understanding of every issue that might arise, ready with retorts and statistics, waiting for an opportunity under those bright lights.