If this were a boxing match, Vice President Kamala Harris would have had former President Donald Trump seeing stars from the first ding of the bell.
Just before the debate kicked off, Harris hunted down her opponent like a heat-seeking missile, wrangled him into an awkward handshake that screamed “Help me,” and then proceeded to own the floor like it was her living room.
Harris’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She strategically went on the offensive, delivering a series of powerful shots that left Trump visibly dazed and confused.
It was a masterful display, akin to watching a frustrated amateur boxer struggle against a polished, seasoned professional. This level of skill and precision clearly demonstrated her superior capabilities and command over the situation.
Tonight, the tables turned on the bully. He was outclassed, outsmarted, and thoroughly exposed. And Trump’s constant snarl, which he wore 98 percent of the time, spoke volumes about his defeat.
This moment clearly demonstrated that even those who intimidate can be brought down when faced with superior strategy and intellect.
So, should Kamala Harris debate Trump again?
Answer: It depends.
If Trump gained in the polls tonight, there will be no second debate. Period. But, more than likely he didn’t.
As a result, Harris and her team should carefully consider the strategic implications of participating in another debate. Should Harris’s poll numbers experience a significant and sustained increase – as Trump’s did after he debated President Biden earlier this summer – Trump will likely be eager for a second debate, as he’d have a lot more to gain than lose.
And should they debate again, it’ll be that debate – not tonight’s affair – that’ll be fresher in the public’s mind on Election Day.
If a second debate takes place, Trump’s team will undoubtedly address his weaknesses and prepare him to perform better. But let’s consider Harris—can she truly surpass her performance tonight? She was absolutely awesome.
Former GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie has issued a warning to Vice President Harris, advising her against challenging former President Trump to another debate after the recent showdown on Tuesday. This cautionary note suggests potential risks and implications that should not be overlooked.
“Nothing great can happen for her in a second debate,” the former New Jersey governor said on The View Wednesday. “She’ll either do as well as she did this time… or he could do better.”
“She needed to show those undecided voters that she belonged on that stage, and last night she showed that she belongs on the stage,” Christie said. “That’s why — look, I saw her campaign put out a challenge for a second debate right after the debate. Please stop. Don’t do it!”
If Harris gains the lead in the polls, more specifically in the battleground states, her team should strongly consider declining a second debate with Trump. He had his opportunity tonight and would unlikely offer Harris a second debate if he performed as well as she did. Moreover, engaging in another debate could potentially undermine Harris’s current advantage and distract from her campaign’s momentum. By focusing on direct voter engagement and policy promotion instead, they can solidify their position and ensure a more strategic path to victory.
Secondly, if tonight’s spectacle, combined with Trump’s outrageous behavior over the past nine years and his utterly chaotic presidency, hasn’t illuminated who the superior candidate is, what more could a second debate possibly achieve? So yes, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has raised an important question: How much could Vice President Kamala Harris benefit from participating in a second debate?
If the polls remain extremely close and the public is eager to hear more from both candidates to gain deeper insights into their policies and perspectives, then another debate could—and absolutely should—take place. Maybe Harris could win over a few more undecided voters who, for whatever reason, are still conflicted.
But, before agreeing to a second debate, the Harris Campaign should compare and contrast the post-debate poll numbers with public demand for another discussion.
