Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself in a difficult position as she prepares to debate former President Donald Trump, as she must navigate the complex relationship with President Biden.
In the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Harris will face an unprecedented challenge: debating not only her political opponent but also the record of her own president, Joe Biden.
As The New York Times' Carlos Lozada points out, Harris' dilemma is both "simple" and "awkward." She must either embrace the accomplishments of the Biden administration, which may expose her to criticism over issues like inflation and border security, or distance herself from Biden and risk appearing irrelevant as vice president.
Harris Faces Tough Dilemma in Biden-Trump Debate
Adding to the complexity is the fact that President Biden, who initially agreed to run for re-election, subsequently dropped out, leaving Harris as the Democratic nominee. The Harris campaign has pushed for changes to the debate rules, including keeping the microphones live throughout the event, a request that Trump initially appeared open to but later criticized.
Trump's previous debate performance, in which he frequently interrupted and spoke over Biden, was widely seen as a factor in Biden's decision to withdraw from the race. Trump's improved performance in their June meeting, coupled with Biden's perceived weaknesses, is being credited with contributing to Biden's decision.
Harris Faces Tough Dilemma in Biden-Trump Debate
Despite the challenges, the Harris campaign has expressed confidence in her ability to defend Biden's record and prosecute the case against Trump. However, some observers believe that Harris' attempt to have both continuity and contrast with Biden could be a difficult balancing act.
In a letter to ABC, the Harris campaign complained that the muted microphone format would "serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President." They argued that Harris, a former prosecutor, would be "fundamentally disadvantaged" by this arrangement.
Harris Faces Tough Dilemma in Biden-Trump Debate
Trump, however, has attacked the Harris campaign for its sudden demand to change the rules, accusing it of seeking to gain an advantage. He has argued that his improved performance in the June debate demonstrates his readiness for the upcoming encounter.
With both Trump and Harris preparing for the debate, the stakes are high for both candidates. Harris will need to navigate the complex relationship with President Biden, while Trump will be looking to build on his momentum from their previous encounter. The outcome of the debate could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election.
