The upcoming presidential debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle. Scheduled for September 17, 2024, this face-to-face encounter comes at a critical juncture, with the race essentially tied just seven weeks before the November 5 election.
Trump's history of employing controversial rhetoric against opponents has raised concerns among political analysts. In previous debates, he has used language that many consider racist and sexist, particularly against female candidates. This approach carries significant risks, potentially alienating crucial voter demographics such as women, Black voters, and moderates.
John Geer, a professor at Vanderbilt University specializing in presidential politics, notes, "Such rhetoric is likely to turn off many voters." However, Republican strategist Ford O'Connell argues that the race's persistent closeness suggests Trump's tactics haven't significantly eroded his support base.
For Harris, the debate presents a complex challenge. As the first woman, Black person, and South Asian American to be a major party's vice presidential nominee, she must carefully navigate Trump's potential attacks while also defining her vision for the country. This balancing act is crucial, as a recent New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that 28% of likely voters still need more information about Harris.
"[Trump] plays from this really old and tired playbook. There's no floor for him in terms of how low he will go."
Harris' team is reportedly preparing strategies to address potential attacks without getting drawn into personal exchanges. Her performance in the 2020 vice presidential debate, where she effectively countered interruptions, may provide a blueprint for her approach.
The debate's significance is underscored by historical viewership numbers. The 2020 vice presidential debate between Harris and Mike Pence attracted 57.9 million viewers, highlighting the potential reach of this upcoming event.
As both candidates prepare, the impact of social media on debate perception cannot be overlooked. Since 2008, the role of platforms like Twitter in shaping public opinion during and after debates has grown significantly. Real-time fact-checking, which became prominent in the 2012 election cycle, is expected to play a crucial role in this debate as well.
With the election approaching, both Trump and Harris will need to navigate this high-stakes encounter carefully. Their performance could significantly influence voter perceptions and potentially shape the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.