As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for her upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump, the memory of a past debate encounter with Tulsi Gabbard continues to cast a shadow.
According to Politico, the 2019 primary debate in which Gabbard criticized Harris's record as a prosecutor remains a significant moment in Harris's political career.
The upcoming face-off with Trump on Tuesday will test whether Harris has learned from that experience and improved her debating skills. The 2019 debate saw Gabbard, then a Democratic representative, attacking Harris for her tough-on-crime stance as a prosecutor and accusing her of hypocrisy in her shift to a more progressive platform.
Harris's response was seen as weak, raising questions about her ability to defend herself against criticism. Now, with Gabbard reportedly assisting Trump in debate preparation, the stakes are high for Harris to prove she can effectively counter attacks on her record.
In the years since the Gabbard encounter, Harris has had opportunities to refine her debate skills. Her performance in the 2020 vice presidential debate against Mike Pence was widely praised, with Harris demonstrating a more assertive and prepared approach. This improvement has led some of her allies to express confidence in her ability to face Trump.
Former Harris campaign staffers acknowledge that the Gabbard moment was a learning experience. They indicate that Harris recognized the mistake of not engaging more forcefully and has since adjusted her debate strategy. The vice presidential debate with Pence, where Harris effectively attacked the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, is seen as evidence of her growth as a debater.
However, some Democrats outside Harris's immediate circle have expressed concern about her readiness for the upcoming debate. They point to her limited public appearances and interviews since becoming the Democratic nominee as potential weaknesses.
Trump's campaign has been focusing on portraying Harris as a flip-flopper on various policy issues. This strategy aligns with Gabbard's approach in the 2019 debate, where she highlighted perceived inconsistencies in Harris's record. Rania Batrice, a former Gabbard campaign manager, suggests that Gabbard may advise Trump to emphasize this angle.
The Trump campaign's repeated attacks on Harris as a "liberal flip-flopper" indicate that they see this as a vulnerability. However, critics point out that Trump himself has changed positions on several issues, including abortion, potentially undermining this line of attack.
Despite the lingering impact of the Gabbard encounter, many of Harris's supporters remain optimistic about her chances in the debate with Trump. They cite her strong campaign rollout and the experienced team advising her as reasons for confidence.
Democratic strategist James Carville expressed high expectations for Harris's performance, stating:
She's grown a lot in the last four years. I'll just come out and declare: I have high expectations.
However, even Harris's allies acknowledge the need for thorough preparation. The debate with Trump presents unique challenges, given his unconventional style and willingness to make provocative statements. JA Moore, a supporter of Harris, feels that the vice president has made substantial progress since the 2019 debate. He expressed confidence that she will be a strong challenge for Trump in future political confrontations.
The upcoming debate between Harris and Trump will be a crucial moment in the campaign. Harris's ability to defend her record, articulate her vision, and counter Trump's attacks will be closely watched. Trump's strategy, influenced by Gabbard's past success against Harris, will test the vice president's growth as a debater. The outcome of this face-off could significantly impact voter perceptions and potentially influence the course of the election.
