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The upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown, with both candidates actively preparing to face each other for the first time at close range. Harris's preparation includes utilizing a seasoned Trump impersonator, Philippe Reines, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton who previously played Trump during Clinton's 2016 election debate prep. Reines is joined by other Democratic advisers, including Karen Dunn, another Clinton aide, and former Harris aides Rohini Kosoglu and Sean Clegg.
Trump, on the other hand, has adopted a less formal approach, engaging in policy sessions with close aides, advisers, and allies. Notably, he has enlisted the help of Tulsi Gabbard, the former representative from Hawaii who ran for president as a Democrat in 2020. Gabbard, who has since left the Democratic Party and found a place in Trump's orbit, was even briefly considered as a potential running mate. Trump's interest in Gabbard stems from her past exchanges with Harris during their 2020 presidential campaign, where Gabbard's attacks on Harris's record as a prosecutor were particularly impactful.
The upcoming debate is seen as a critical juncture in the 2024 election, with both candidates vying for the presidency. With the election approaching, the stakes are high, and both campaigns are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The use of seasoned impersonators and strategists suggests a strong emphasis on understanding the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, which will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining the outcome of this important political encounter.