Donald Trump is set to hold several campaign events in the run-up to his much-anticipated debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10. His spokespeople told reporters that the former President will use the rallies to sharpen his arguments in preparation for the event at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.
The Harris and Trump campaigns have both agreed to abide by the debate’s rules. Microphones will not remain open throughout, candidates will not be permitted to use notes, there will be no audience, and candidates will stand at a podium. The Vice President’s team initially argued that microphones should remain open but ultimately conceded and agreed to allow them to be muted.
In preparation, former President Trump said he would hold a town hall in Pennsylvania, deliver a speech to the New York Economic Club and the Republican Jewish Coalition in the Big Apple, meet law enforcement officers in North Carolina, and hold a rally in Wisconsin.
Vice President Harris will spend five days in the crucial battleground of Pennsylvania, but it is unclear what she will do while she’s there. Analysts suggest she will make informal and surprise appearances at various events and receive coaching from a number of debating experts. Among those expected to assist the Vice President are Democrat attorney Karen Dunn and her Senate chief of staff, Rohini Kosoglu. Commentators suggest the Vice President will frame the debate as prosecutor against felon, and focus on presenting herself as a steady and stable pair of hands.
The debate will be the first time that Harris and Trump have personally interacted, and it comes after he has launched attacks on her racial identity and shared graphic sexualized social media posts about her.
Commentators suggest that Harris enters the arena as the underdog, given Trump’s extensive experience in Presidential debates. Harris is reportedly preparing by using a stand-in and taking advice from Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, whereas Trump is relying upon his experience and associated confidence. Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has previously debated Harris, is advising Mr. Trump and has warned him not to underestimate the Vice President.
