 |
|
The article analyzes the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, arguing that Harris emerged victorious due to her strategic approach and her ability to counter Trump's tactics. The author highlights five key elements of Harris's strategy that contributed to her success.
Firstly, Harris effectively baited Trump by playing on his obsessions. She mocked his boasts about his rallies, challenged his claims of strength in national security, and highlighted his relationships with autocrats, all of which seemed to throw Trump off his game and lead to extended, rambling answers.
Secondly, Harris deftly avoided Trump's traps. She ignored his attempts to label her as a Marxist and deflect attention to Joe Biden, remaining focused on her own message and future plans. This discipline prevented Trump from dictating the narrative of the debate.
Thirdly, Harris addressed potential weaknesses with a disciplined message. She turned the discussion on the economy towards her own policy proposals, countered Trump's portrayal of her as the 'border czar' by reminding the audience of his own failures, and successfully framed the Afghanistan withdrawal as a positive step. This ensured that Trump did not score a clear victory on these issues.
Fourthly, Harris played to her strengths. She spoke passionately about abortion and the suffering caused by bans, leaving Trump visibly unsettled. She also capitalized on the January 6th insurrection, highlighting Trump's refusal to acknowledge his role in the events and his attempt to subvert democracy. Her presence in the Capitol during the insurrection added authority to her voice.
Finally, Harris claimed the centrist space, attacking Trump from what has broadly been the American mainstream political position. This included supporting fracking while advocating for clean energy, referencing Goldman Sachs and Wharton to validate her economic plans, and reiterating her commitment to a strong military and a robust foreign policy. This strategy preempted Trump's attacks on her perceived radicalism.
The author concludes that Harris's performance in the debate gave undecided voters a compelling reason to consider her candidacy. While the outcome of the election remains uncertain, Harris successfully presented herself as a competent and qualified leader who is ready to address America's challenges.
The article highlights the importance of strategic preparation and understanding an opponent's strengths and weaknesses in a political debate. Harris's performance suggests that she was well-prepared and able to effectively counter Trump's tactics, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Source: When the supposed novice outperformed the master performer