Former President Donald Trump has recruited former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to assist him in preparing for his upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump's choice of Gabbard, a former presidential candidate herself, has sparked widespread interest -- and perhaps trepidation on the part of the VP -- due to her past confrontations with Harris during the 2020 Democratic primary debates, as the Western Journal reports.
Gabbard, a former lawmaker from Hawaii, gained notoriety during the 2020 Democratic primary for her sharp criticism of Harris's record as a prosecutor, particularly regarding the case of Kevin Cooper.
The former lawmaker's participation in Trump's debate preparation has been confirmed by Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that Trump is meeting with "respected policy advisers and effective communicators" as part of his preparation.
Gabbard's involvement in Trump's debate strategy is seen as an effort to capitalize on her previous experience in debating Harris. Gabbard is expected to offer informal advice to Trump and may also take on the role of Harris in practice sessions.
This is particularly noteworthy given the contentious exchanges between Gabbard and Harris during the Democratic primaries, where Gabbard's criticisms of Harris's prosecutorial record became a focal point.
Trump, who is known for his unconventional approach to debate preparation, reportedly does not engage in traditional methods. Instead, he prefers to discuss potential topics and strategies with advisers in a more informal setting. Gabbard's inclusion in these discussions is indicative of Trump's desire to address Harris's strengths and weaknesses directly, drawing on Gabbard's firsthand experience.
While Trump has expressed a desire for additional debates, including one hosted by Fox News, Harris has only agreed to participate in the September 10 debate. This has added another layer of strategic importance to Gabbard's role in Trump's preparation, as it may be his only opportunity to face off against Harris directly before the election.
Gabbard's political trajectory has been unconventional, much like Trump's. After serving as a Democratic representative from Hawaii, she left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent. Her decision to assist Trump, a figure who represents a stark contrast to her former party, highlights the shifting allegiances and complex dynamics within the current political landscape.
Leavitt emphasized Gabbard's effectiveness in previous debates, particularly against Harris, as a key reason for her involvement. "Trump has proven to be one of the best debaters in political history as evidenced by his knockout blow to Joe Biden," Leavitt stated. "He does not need traditional debate prep but will continue to meet with respected policy advisers and effective communicators like Tulsi Gabbard, who successfully dominated Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2020."
This collaboration between Trump and Gabbard is particularly intriguing given their respective political histories. Gabbard's willingness to work with Trump, despite their ideological differences, suggests a pragmatic approach to the upcoming debate, where the focus is less on party loyalty and more on strategic advantage.
The upcoming ABC debate on Sept. 10 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. With Harris only committing to one debate so far, the stakes are high for both candidates. Trump's decision to involve Gabbard in his preparation reflects his recognition of the significance of this event.
As the debate date approaches, the political world will be watching closely to see how Trump and Harris perform on stage. Gabbard's past interactions with Harris will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the strategies employed by the Trump campaign.
