Kamala Harris’s strategy for the upcoming debate against Donald Trump has shifted due to new rules that mute candidates while their opponent is speaking. Initially, Harris’s team intended to directly engage and fact-check Trump, utilizing her strong debate skills. However, the muted microphone rule, negotiated by Biden’s team, has led to concerns among her aides about limiting Harris’s effectiveness, reshaping her approach to the debate.
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- Harris initially planned to engage Trump directly, but new rules mute candidates when the opponent speaks.
- The rule change forces Harris’s team to revise their strategy, originally designed for aggressive fact-checking.
- Four campaign officials have voiced concerns that the new rules will “handcuff” Harris’s debate tactics.
- Harris’s aides believe Trump’s worst moments arise when provoked, and the rule change takes away this advantage.
- Some Democrats downplay these concerns, viewing them as managing expectations for the debate.
- The rule change may affect Harris’s performance, particularly with her limited experience in national general election debates.
- David Axelrod suggests these complaints might be a tactic to unsettle Trump ahead of the debate.
- Trump’s team welcomed the rule, emphasizing voters’ desire for clear, uninterrupted discussion.
- Harris’s team fought to reverse the rule, but ultimately accepted it, believing it would disadvantage her more than Trump.
- Despite concerns, some strategists believe the muted microphone rule could level the playing field for both candidates.
