Harris, Trump face off in first debate

AP:

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are veering sharply in how they gear up for tonight’s presidential debate, setting up a showdown that reflects not just two separate visions for the country, but two politicians who approach big moments very differently.

Harris spent the weekend cloistered in a historic hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, where she focused on honing crisp two-minute answers, per the debate’s rules.

Meanwhile, Trump has publicly dismissed the value of studying for the debate. The former president chose instead to fill his days with campaign-related events.

Harris will face a skilled and experienced debater who excels at rattling his rivals with a barrage of insults and interruptions, while projecting unflappable confidence and conviction.

Trump will be up against a long-time prosecutor known for landing pointed punches. He again faces a woman who could become the country’s first female president and must contend with the underlying gender dynamics at play.

In a tight race against the former president, the Harris campaign sees itself as having the room to persuade voters before focusing more intently on turnout with the beginning of early voting before the November 5 election. Trump has also stepped up his outreach with rallies and interviews in seemingly friendly forums.

The candidates – who have never met in person before will be expected to stay behind their podiums. But Republicans are hopeful Trump will avoid any other provocations, like pointing, yelling or otherwise approaching Harris in a way that might be off-putting to suburban women or other swing voters.

Harris, too, will face unique challenges related to her race and gender as voters consider whether to make her the nation’s first female president. Some voters still say they’re not comfortable with the idea. If she comes across as angry, she risks playing into racist tropes about black women.