US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will lock horns for the first time on Wednesday at 6.30 am IST. This could be their only face-to-face debate where both sides will utilise the chance to put their best foot forward.
Trump, 78, is facing a younger opponent this time after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following the previous debate in June, amid criticism over his disastrous performance. Trump is also confident after he survived an assassination attempt.
Harris, 59, is the first woman to become the US vice president as well as the first person of African American and South Asian origin to serve in the role. She has so far appeared in only one formal interview in since July and all eyes will be on what Harris has to say when she arrives for the debate on Wednesday. So the Democrats are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the major make-or-break moment before the November elections.
Trump's focus on Harris's gender and race and his sterotypical remarks have triggered criticism even from his allies who want the former president to focus on policies. Trump campaign is hoping to target Harris over her far-left stance during her 2020 presidential bid. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is reportedly helping Trump during his informal debate prep sessions. She was a rival of Harris during the 2020 primary debates.
On the other hand, Harris is hoping to flaunt her achievements as vice president under the Biden administration while also trying to stay away from her earlier liberal positions. She has staunchly supported abortion access after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris will try to paint Trump as an unstable and unfit president, calling out his inconsistencies around women's reproductive care.
Trump had earlier argued Harris will be a threat to the safety of Americans if she becomes president, pointing out her failure in handling the influx of migrants and how her presidency will be continuation of the disastrous Biden administration.
