With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, American voters are turning their attention to the presidential race, and the spotlight is now on Kamala Harris. This week, Harris will face her first significant challenge as she goes head-to-head with Donald Trump in a high-stakes debate, the first time the two candidates have met in person. The event in Philadelphia is anticipated to draw millions of viewers, offering a major platform for Harris to showcase her candidacy beyond the rally stage.
Harris’s late entry onto the national stage is highly unusual. Unlike most presidential candidates who gain exposure through early primary contests, Harris bypassed this process. After dropping out of the Democratic primary race in 2019 due to campaign struggles, she has been largely absent from national debates and campaigning, making her sudden prominence particularly notable.
This lack of early exposure might actually benefit Harris. She has been able to present herself to the public on her own terms, emphasizing her background, prosecutorial record, and commitment to key issues like abortion rights. Her campaign has positioned her as a candidate of change, despite her four years in the current administration.
Trump has attacked Harris as a radical liberal, referencing her past positions from her 2019 primary run, which she has since moderated. This reliance on outdated positions may weaken his attacks, as Harris did not have to navigate a primary battle this time around, thus avoiding the need to adopt extreme stances to secure the nomination.
Harris recently unveiled tax proposals that differentiate her from President Biden's plans, such as a more moderate tax increase on high earners. This shift highlights her adaptation to a broader electorate, contrasting with her more liberal positions from previous years.
Entering the race late has its drawbacks, including less experience with unscripted appearances and debates. Harris has only participated in one major interview since Biden stepped aside, which was relatively mild. The upcoming debate will be her longest unscripted appearance, and Trump’s experience on the debate stage could pose a significant challenge.
As Harris prepares for this crucial debate, she faces a unique test: proving her capability and handling intense scrutiny in a campaign that has so far avoided the rigorous demands of a primary race.