Vice President Kamala Harris has challenged her opponent to a debate, leading to a scheduled faceoff with former President Donald Trump on Sept. 10. The event, hosted by ABC, offers a platform for both candidates to directly address each other and present their attack lines.
Harris, known for her debating prowess, faces high expectations as she aims to define herself and her opponent in a condensed campaign. However, her past debate performances have been a mixed bag, with notable highlights and testy exchanges.
Trump also faces high expectations following Biden's poor debate showing, which overshadowed the former president's falsehoods left unchecked during the debate.
Notable moments from Harris' past debates include a powerful critique of Biden's stance on busing and a contentious exchange with rival Tulsi Gabbard over her prosecutorial record. Gabbard criticized Harris for her handling of marijuana violations and a death row case, highlighting issues that Harris struggled to address effectively.
Despite some challenges, Harris has shown defiance in confrontational moments, such as her questioning of William Barr and Brett Kavanaugh. Her ability to stand her ground was evident in her debate against Mike Pence, where she famously asserted, 'Mr. Vice President, I am speaking.'
Recently, Harris faced interruptions at a rally, where she asserted her voice and drew applause from supporters. However, her response drew criticism from some groups, highlighting the ongoing debate over political discourse and empathy in public interactions.
As the Trump-Harris debate approaches, observers hope for a substantive discussion that showcases the stark differences between the candidates. While political theater is common in elections, many emphasize the need for a meaningful debate that addresses critical issues facing the nation.
