As the US presidential race heats up, Democrats are issuing a major warning to Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of her highly anticipated debate with Donald Trump. The debate, scheduled for ABC News in Philadelphia, follows President Biden’s underwhelming performance against Trump in Atlanta last June, adding significant pressure on Harris to deliver a strong showing.
US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, a close ally of Harris, described her as “focused and disciplined” but cautioned that more will be needed “to deal” with Trump. Speaking to CNN, Buttigieg emphasized the importance of highlighting the policy differences between Harris and Trump while reminding voters of their shared values.
Buttigieg highlighted Trump’s ability to dominate the spotlight, saying, “He’s a master of taking any form or format that is on television and turning it into a show that is all about him. The less we are talking about him and the more we are talking about you, the better it’s going to be for the vice president.”
Senator John Fetterman, another prominent Democrat, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Trump’s debating prowess while expressing confidence in Harris’s ability to perform well. “I mean we can all remember he wrecked all the Republicans, he’s a good debater. But at the end of the day, I don’t believe this debate is going to be definitive because it’s going to come down to this choice and it’s going to be close,” the senator remarked.
Recent polls indicate a neck-and-neck race, with both Trump and Harris enjoying unwavering support from nearly half of the electorate. Trump’s continued popularity, despite his criminal conviction and involvement in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, highlights the deeply divided political landscape. Harris, who entered the race following Biden’s sudden withdrawal in July, has quickly risen to prominence, but her support has not yet surpassed Trump’s. The upcoming debate is seen as a crucial opportunity for both candidates to solidify their positions and potentially shift the momentum in the race.
