Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, issued a stark warning on ABC's "The View" regarding the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Shapiro stressed that while Harris is well-prepared, underestimating Trump’s debate skills would be a mistake.
Fox News reported that Shapiro expressed confidence in Harris but acknowledged that Trump’s presence on the debate stage poses a significant challenge.
During his Friday appearance on "The View," Shapiro cautioned the hosts not to dismiss Trump’s capability as a debater.
The highly anticipated debate between Harris and Trump is scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia and will be moderated by ABC News. Shapiro, a political ally of Harris, made it clear that while Harris is tough and experienced, Trump’s unpredictability and showmanship make him a formidable opponent.
Shapiro underscored Trump’s ability to command attention, noting that the former president’s experience on television and his ability to maneuver through difficult questions by any means necessary make him a strong contender.
He remarked, “He’s a showman, he’s been on TV before. So don’t underestimate Donald Trump.” The Pennsylvania governor’s comments come at a crucial time as Harris prepares to face Trump on the debate stage, which will serve as a critical moment for both campaigns heading into the 2024 election.
Despite his caution about Trump, Shapiro expressed confidence in Harris’s abilities, pointing to her extensive background as a prosecutor. He assured viewers that Harris is well-prepared and “tough as nails,” but added that the upcoming debate would still be challenging. Shapiro said, “She’s a prosecutor. She’ll be prepared, as was said before. She’ll be ready to go.”
However, concerns about Harris’s campaign strategy were raised during the segment. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin noted that Harris has shifted toward the political center compared to her 2020 presidential run, a change that may impact her performance in the debate.
Griffin questioned whether Harris’s decision to move away from some of her previous stances—such as her position on fracking—might make her vulnerable during the debate.
Griffin emphasized that Harris’s change in some political positions could be a potential point of contention when she faces Trump.
She remarked, “She’s gearing up to do this must-watch debate with former President Trump on Tuesday. Do you think it’s a strategic mistake that she hasn’t explained some of these positions she’s changed on more ahead of the debate?” Griffin was particularly concerned that Harris’s new stances might not have been fully communicated to voters, leaving her open to criticism on the debate stage.
Shapiro, however, defended Harris’s evolution on certain issues, arguing that changing one’s position over time can be a sign of political strength. He pointed to his own experience in politics, noting that adapting positions based on new information or circumstances can be a positive trait in a leader.
As the governor of Pennsylvania, a critical swing state in U.S. elections, Shapiro’s insights are particularly noteworthy.
Pennsylvania, with its 19 Electoral College votes, has played a pivotal role in deciding the outcomes of the past four presidential elections. Shapiro’s comments reflect the high stakes of the upcoming debate and the broader implications it may have on the 2024 election.
Shapiro himself was once considered for Harris’s running mate but ultimately did not secure the spot, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz being chosen instead. Nevertheless, Shapiro continues to play a key role in the Democratic Party and is keenly aware of the challenges Harris faces, both in the debate and in the general election.
Throughout the discussion, Shapiro reiterated that Trump’s debate style is highly unconventional and unpredictable, which will make it difficult for Harris to anticipate how the former president might approach certain issues.
Shapiro referred to Trump’s history of using the debate stage as a platform to deliver unscripted and often provocative remarks, which have proven effective in past elections.
Shapiro warned that while it’s easy to criticize Trump’s honesty and political tactics, “He’s a guy who is willing to say anything at any time just to get through a question,” highlighting the former president’s willingness to divert from conventional debate strategies to achieve his goals.
As the debate approaches, both Harris and Trump are preparing for a high-stakes encounter. With Pennsylvania’s importance in the 2024 election and the broader political landscape, the debate could significantly influence public opinion and the trajectory of both campaigns. Shapiro’s warning serves as a reminder that while Harris may be prepared, Trump’s debate style and appeal to his base make him a force to be reckoned with.
