CNN's Abby Phillip has cautioned Vice President Kamala Harris that ignoring former President Donald Trump during their upcoming debate would be a grave mistake, emphasizing his persistent nature and the need for her to address his criticisms.
In a candid discussion aired on CNN, anchor Abby Phillip relayed her concerns to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her approach towards former President Donald Trump during their impending debate. Phillip underscored the importance of not dismissing Trump's criticisms, highlighting his unwavering persistence and the need for Harris to devise an effective strategy to counter his tactics.
Harris has previously declined to directly address Trump's remarks in a CNN interview, dismissing his comments as "tired old playbook." However, Phillip expressed reservations about whether this approach would prove sufficient during the live debate, emphasizing the heightened stakes and Trump's relentless presence on stage.
CNN Anchor Delivers Vital Warning to Kamala Harris ahead of Trump Debate: "He's Very Persistent
"It's not going to be so easy to just say, ‘OK, let’s move on,' he's going to be right there on stage," Phillip cautioned.
CNN political commentators featured on Phillip's panel offered varying opinions on how Harris should approach Trump's discourse during the debate. Ashley Allison, former National Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign, advised Harris to ignore Trump's comments, allowing him to appear as the aggressor while she maintained a dignified demeanor above the fray.
CNN Anchor Delivers Vital Warning to Kamala Harris ahead of Trump Debate: "He's Very Persistent
"The vice president is not very tall," Allison said of Harris. "She is a petite woman. Let him look like the bully. Let him throw out red meat and you rise above the occasion."
In contrast, CNN analyst and former Obama advisor David Axelrod expressed support for Harris's measured response in her CNN interview. He suggested that Trump's behavior would raise doubts about his fitness for office and that Harris could effectively redirect the focus towards the issues that matter to voters.
CNN Anchor Delivers Vital Warning to Kamala Harris ahead of Trump Debate: "He's Very Persistent
"That behavior of Donald Trump's really does raise the question, ‘do you want this for the next four years or do you want someone who’s focused on your problems?' And I think that pivot works," Axelrod said.
As Harris prepares for the highly anticipated debate, she faces the delicate task of balancing her personal dignity with the need to assertively address Trump's criticisms without falling into the trap of engaging in a tit-for-tat exchange. Her approach will require a combination of composure, quick wit, and the ability to refocus the conversation on the pressing issues facing the nation.
The Harris and Trump campaigns have yet to respond to requests for comment from news outlets. The debate promises to be a crucial moment in the ongoing political discourse, and Harris's ability to effectively counter Trump's attacks could significantly impact the outcome.
