All Eyes On The Debate
Republican strategist Frank Luntz recently emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming presidential debate, describing it as “everything” in terms of shaping the election’s outcome. Speaking on CNN, Luntz provided insight into what both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump must achieve to sway undecided voters in the final stretch before the November election.
When asked by anchor John Berman about the remaining opportunities for Harris and Trump with less than 70 days until Election Day, Luntz didn’t mince words. “The debate is everything,” he asserted, highlighting its pivotal role in the campaign.
Berman sought clarification, prompting Luntz to elaborate on why the debate holds such weight. “It’s not just about the answers the candidates provide,” Luntz explained. “It’s also about their body language. Do they show respect or contempt? How do they present themselves? Do they look and act presidential?”
The high-stakes debate scheduled for September 10 in Philadelphia will be a significant moment for both candidates. For Harris, it represents a crucial opportunity to articulate her policy positions and challenge Trump directly. Meanwhile, Trump faces the task of demonstrating restraint and focusing on his policies rather than resorting to his often provocative style.
There has been ongoing discussion about the debate format, with the Harris campaign advocating for microphones to remain live while each candidate is speaking, which could potentially expose Trump’s tendency to interrupt. Additionally, there are uncertainties about whether Trump will participate, and if he does, how he will conduct himself toward Harris.
Luntz noted that Trump must show he can remain composed and listen to Harris without constant interruptions. For Harris, the challenge is to appear open-minded and receptive to new ideas rather than simply projecting her own agenda.
In Luntz’s view, the debate is an opportunity for both candidates to demonstrate their readiness not just for the immediate election, but for their potential future in office. Harris needs to show that she has grown since her previous debate performances, while Trump must work to counteract any negative perceptions from 2020 by avoiding any rude or abrasive behavior.
