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Just a few hours before the first televised debate between the two US presidential candidates, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are preparing like champions about to step into the ring.
Highly anticipated by Americans, this first presidential debate between the two rivals is organized by ABC News and will be held in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, in the state of Pennsylvania.
Starting at 9 PM local time, Donald Trump, 78, will face off for 90 minutes against Kamala Harris, 59, in front of a handpicked audience of supporters. Exceptional security measures are in place for the occasion.
This debate promises to be striking in its contrasts. It will pit the rigorous and firm discourse of the former US attorney general against that of the wealthy businessman, known for his sarcastic style and limitless impulsiveness.
Both rivals are sharpening their weapons and pondering their tactics for their first head-to-head on Tuesday.
For several days, Harris has been rehearsing the debate with a team of advisors in a historic hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, focusing on refining her two-minute responses in accordance with the debate rules.
The Democratic candidate is filling up blank pages, jotting down the key points of the topics likely to be discussed, and even preparing comebacks for any provocative remarks from Trump.
Meanwhile, the former Republican president appears to be downplaying the importance of debate preparations, which he considers “unnecessary.” He seems to be betting on the element of surprise, at least according to the organizers of his election campaign.
He believes that once on stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, he will know what to do.
In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, Trump said, “You can start the debate with any strategy you want, but you have to test them as the game progresses.”
In short, Trump, a seasoned debater, is relying on the element of surprise and plans to react based on the situation at hand.
Harris, on the other hand, is betting on a strategy to expose her opponent, to “bring him out of the closet” and highlight his undisciplined nature.
She will work to show the American public that her opponent is not serious, despite his bid for the highest office.
According to many American media outlets, Harris will also focus on Trump’s “criminal” past and the legal proceedings he has faced in recent years.
Ultimately, voters will have the final say on Election Day. Especially since, according to the latest polls, both candidates are tied in terms of popular support in the “swing states.”
