Trump's Intense Debate Prep Against Kamala Harris

In a pivotal election year, former President Donald Trump has ramped up his debate preparations, engaging in rigorous policy-focused sessions contrary to strict instructions from his team to avoid the term 'debate prep'. Sources indicate that Trump has invested more effort into his preparations for the upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris than he did for previous ones against Joe Biden or during his 2016 campaign. His strategy includes mock sessions with his aides where he reviews his policy record. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris is engaging in choreographed prep that includes stage replicas and lights, supported by a team member versed in theatrical methods to embody the role of Trump. Despite the contrasting styles of preparation, both camps aim to shape the perceptions of swing voters whose decisions remain undecided. Trump’s advisors are particularly wary of his tendency towards aggressive personal attacks, reflective of his performance in his 2020 debates, where such behavior contributed to a decline in his polling numbers post-debate. They hope to guide him towards a restrained approach focused strictly on policy critiques of Harris instead. Significant figures such as former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Matt Gaetz are involved in Trump’s prep, promoting narrative strategies that will make Harris accountable for her ties to President Biden and current dissatisfaction among voters. Recently, Trump contemplated withdrawing from the upcoming debate but ultimately recognized that it would reflect poorly on his strength as a candidate, emphasizing the high stakes involved in this electoral showdown.