Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up for a televised debate against former President Donald Trump, and the stakes couldn’t be higher—especially for her. According to Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat turned independent, Harris’s performance during “unscripted moments” will speak volumes about her readiness for primetime politics. Gabbard, having had her fair share of fiery interactions with Harris during their Democratic primary debates back in 2019, knows what it means to put the Vice President on the spot, and she’s making it clear that tough questions are coming.
Gabbard’s departure from the Democrat Party and endorsement of Trump may just be the least shocking development to come out of this election cycle. Her reminiscing about how Harris was coddled by the media in previous campaigns is a reminder that Democrats sometimes prefer style over substance. She pointed out that the mainstream media often serves as a protective barrier for their chosen candidates, a trend Harris appears to be riding. It seems Gabbard is relishing the opportunity to help Trump exploit every chink in Harris’s armor—a job she clearly knows well.
This isn’t an unscripted moment though. This is what is said in every ad, every rally, and in the rare event she’s asked a question. This is the repeated talking point. Her “unscripted” moments all go according to script. https://t.co/LCg2OPOTSP
— Brittany (@bccover) September 7, 2024
The former congresswoman noted that Harris has a record that voters are eager to scrutinize. The debate will give Trump the chance to shine a spotlight on Harris’s failures during her vice presidency, particularly on issues that concern everyday Americans. It’s no secret that politicians have carefully crafted talking points, and it’s expected that Harris will rely on her best rehearsed lines. Gabbard predicts that, like in their previous encounters, unscripted moments will be Harris’s pitfall as she dodges questions about her track record.
Gabbard also expressed concern about the conditions surrounding the debate, where the media is already setting the stage for Harris to pass through with minimal scrutiny. This sounds alarmingly similar to how the press treated Biden during his debates, which leads one to wonder whether the American public will get an honest look at what Harris truly represents. Gabbard raised valid points about Harris’s reluctance to engage with the press—a move that reeks of arrogance and an unwillingness to be accountable to the voters.
As for Trump’s strategy, Gabbard recommends he stick to the issues—much like how he faced off against Biden. The former President is expected to confront Harris directly, challenging her to account for her past statements and shifting positions. Nothing showcases a candidate’s unpreparedness quite like a debate against someone who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive into the messy specifics. With Trump’s extensive experience and a strong grasp of the issues, the debate promises to offer a revealing glimpse into Harris’s true political standing.
The debate will be held at 9:00 p.m. ET at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. All eyes will be on the stage as Trump seeks to spotlight Harris’s policy flip-flops and inconsistent stances over the years. The American people will finally get a chance to see whether Harris can hold her ground when the heat is on or if she’ll crumble under the spotlight. Whatever unfolds, one thing is for sure: the days of casual, unchallenged rhetoric are quickly fading, and it’s time for the Vice President to face the music.
