Former President Donald Trump has recruited Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic representative from Hawaii, to aid him in preparing for his upcoming presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Guardian reported that the debate, which is scheduled for September 10, will be a critical moment in the 2024 presidential race, and Trump’s decision to bring in Gabbard signals a strategic approach to his preparation.
This collaboration is particularly noteworthy given the complex history between Gabbard and Harris during the 2020 Democratic primaries.
The involvement of Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran with a history of strong opinions, comes after her name was floated as a potential vice presidential pick for Trump. Gabbard’s participation in the debate prep is significant not only because of her previous political alignment but also because of her past confrontations with Harris.
Gabbard became nationally recognized for destroying Kamala Harris in the Democrat primary debates and this news that she's working with Trump should terrify the Harris campaign.
During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Gabbard openly criticized Harris for her record as California's attorney general, specifically targeting her stance on marijuana violations.
This confrontation was one of the more memorable moments of the primaries, drawing widespread attention to Harris’s prosecutorial record. Despite Gabbard’s criticisms, Harris later dismissed Gabbard’s campaign as inconsequential, mocking her low poll numbers.
The friction between the two women adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming debate preparation. Gabbard recently appeared on Fox News, where she reiterated her criticism of Harris, calling her “an empty suit” and accusing her of hypocrisy.
This history of direct confrontation could provide Trump with unique insights as he prepares to face Harris on the debate stage.
Trump’s decision to involve Gabbard is part of a broader strategy as he prepares for a high-stakes debate that could define the trajectory of his campaign. According to an email from Trump’s campaign to The New York Times, Trump has stated that he does not need traditional debate preparation.
Instead, he prefers to consult with “respected policy advisers and effective communicators” like Gabbard.
This approach contrasts with the 2020 debates, where Trump’s aggressive style drew mixed reactions and raised concerns among his handlers. They are reportedly cautious about him appearing too combative, especially against a female opponent, given the challenges he faced when debating Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Trump’s history with debating women is well-documented, with his 2016 debates against Hillary Clinton serving as a particularly contentious example. The former president's approach to these debates has often been marked by a forceful style that some critics have argued is overly aggressive.
This history has made his upcoming debate with Harris a topic of intense scrutiny, particularly given the potential for similar dynamics to play out.
Gabbard’s role in this preparation is, therefore, crucial. Her firsthand experience in debating Harris during the 2020 primaries could provide Trump with valuable strategies to counter Harris’s debating tactics. Gabbard’s insight could help Trump navigate the debate with a more measured approach, balancing his characteristic assertiveness with the need to appeal to a broader audience.
Gabbard’s involvement in Trump’s debate preparation is also notable due to her controversial political history. In 2020, she was accused by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of being a “Russian asset,” a charge that Gabbard vehemently denied, resulting in a lawsuit against Clinton.
Gabbard claimed that Clinton’s accusation was retribution for her support of Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic primaries.
This controversy has shaped Gabbard’s political identity, positioning her as a figure willing to challenge the establishment.
Her departure from the Democratic Party and subsequent alignment with Trump have further solidified her reputation as a maverick in American politics. Gabbard’s unique perspective and experience could be instrumental in helping Trump craft a debate strategy that resonates with voters beyond his base.
The September 10 debate between Trump and Harris is expected to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. With both candidates representing vastly different visions for the future of the country, the debate will offer voters a direct comparison of their leadership styles and policy priorities. Trump’s decision to prepare with Gabbard underscores the high stakes of this encounter, as he seeks to refine his message and appeal to undecided voters.
Despite public denials of needing traditional debate prep, Trump’s collaboration with Gabbard suggests a more calculated approach to this crucial moment in his campaign. The former president’s team is clearly aware of the potential pitfalls of his debating style and is taking steps to mitigate them, using Gabbard’s experience and insight as a key component of their strategy.
