Preparation for the Debate..and the next 63 days.

How both you and the candidates should prepare

Over the past decades, numerous Iowa politicians, from local to presidential campaigns, have been involved in debate prep. Both parties engage in this practice, and I’ve participated on a modest level for one party. As you prepare for the upcoming Presidential debate, it’s crucial to think ahead about the questions you want answered and the criteria you'll use to evaluate the candidates' performances. I also recommend engaging in some relaxation exercises before the debate to ensure you’re in the right mindset.

Below are some suggestions for assessing the campaigns and identifying key questions and answers that could determine the debate's "winners." Additionally, I discuss issues that may challenge or benefit each of the main two-party candidates during this brief campaign.

Key Strategies and Predictions

• For Republicans and Trump:

  • Most Republicans, including experienced campaign staff, will want Trump to focus on the issues. This preference is echoed by surrogates or pundits on networks like Fox, NewsNation, or CNN.

  • If Trump stays on topic, expect him to accuse Harris of failing in several areas: not accomplishing anything as VP, causing inflation and economic woes, failing to prevent the Ukraine and Mideast wars, mishandling immigration and border issues, and allowing rising crime. He might even revisit controversies like Arlington Cemetery.

  • The big question is: Will Harris be ready to respond, block these attacks, and effectively counterpunch?

• Trump’s Debate Tactics:

  • Trump often blocks attacks by denying them, takes credit for others' achievements, and has been known to exaggerate or misstate facts. He may digress frequently.

  • While Trump has had success with these tactics in the past, it will be valuable to see how Harris handles them.  

Harris' Potential Responses

• Addressing Trump’s Predictable Attacks:

  • Historically, Democrats have struggled to effectively respond to Republican charges. However, Harris' campaign has shown improvements since Harris was promoted to the top of the ticket.

  • The debate will be about how well Harris thinks on her feet and how she addresses these anticipated issues from Trump.

• Missed Opportunities and Learning from Past Interviews:

  • In a recent CNN  interview, Harris had an opportunity to link Trump to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 but fell short. This issue, which ties Trump to extreme positions on abortion and IVF, should have been a focal point.

  • Harris must proactively bring up Project 2025 during the debate, regardless of whether the moderator asks about it. If Trump denies knowledge or links to this project, Harris must be prepared to counter effectively.

• Proactive Issue Raising:

  • Beyond just responding to attacks, Harris should raise critical issues herself. For example, she needs to contrast her stance on abortion rights with Trump's, who has claimed he would be "great for women and their reproductive rights."

Challenges for Both Candidates

• Trump’s Connection with Disenfranchised Americans:

  • Trump has historically resonated with disenfranchised Americans, especially on identity issues, including DEI. Harris must improve her response to this, emphasizing a greater Clinton-esque relation with the working class and other discouraged Americans. Regarding DEI, I have yet to hear a crisp Harris response, appealing to voters, on the need to have a country that welcomes and values contributions from all Americans. 

• Addressing Housing and Economic Plans:

  • Housing is daily increasing its prominence on the campaign trails. It’s an opportunity for Trump to rebut Harris’ announced housing plans. It is an area where Harris could announce a plan that could appeal to renters and a broader swath of potential first-time homebuyers. She and Trump will have the opportunity to connect with this demographic during the debate. One-third of America rents.

Final Thoughts

• Handling Unexpected Scenarios:

  • The first time Harris stumbles, Trump will attack, potentially mocking her for not having her running mate by her side. While both parties will likely release ads that night highlighting significant moments, the real test will be how Harris recovers from missteps or unexpected challenges during the debate. 

    • Both camps expect to do well. One candidate may outperform the other. No amount of spin will change this. How the candidates and the campaigns handle underperforming debate appearances will have an exaggerated impact given the brief campaign.

• Expectations Game:

  • Expectations are higher for Harris than for Trump. While the public has become accustomed to Trump’s controversial statements, Harris is expected to perform well given her background as a prosecutor and her sharp questioning during Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings. If Trump sticks to issues and minimizes ad hominem attacks, he will exceed expectations.

Questions from the CNN interview that should be asked of both. 

Bash asked the softball question as to whether Harris would appoint a Republican  Harris quickly said yes.   Harris missed an opportunity to contrast the 'hiring the best person’ philosophy with Project 2025 and its goal to only hire loyal people. Harris needs to say she will hire the best person. Period.  Trump may return to his 2016 arguments on  draining the swamp and downsizing the federal government

Softball question #2 from the CNNterview. Bash asked what would you do on day one– Harris flubbed this with her absence of a memorable quote. Her prep team should have predicted this question and had her respond by contrasting what she would do with Trump’s public statements on how  Trump would be a dictator on day 1.  Harris needs to explain what dictators do on day one. Trump will show strength by accomplishing all he needs to do on day 1. 

Trump could win the debate by dominating the conversation, capitalizing on his charisma, and framing his record as a success, while keeping Harris on the defensive. A clear, confident message, minimizing ad hominem attacks, while targeting his base and swing voters could help him overshadow policy details and appeal to a broader audience. Trump could win by effectively proving to swing voters that he, not Harris, is the change candidate.

Harris could win by  Trump attacking her race, identity, intelligence, or family (he does have a history. Harris could win by showcasing empathy and effectively countering attacks with poise, appealing to undecided voters through clarity and composure. Harris could win by effectively challenging her opponent's record with precise, pointed arguments.  By remaining composed, connecting with the audience on a personal level, and presenting a forward-looking vision, she can appeal to undecided voters and contrast her leadership style.