High Stakes and High Expectations: The 2024 Debates and Their Potential to Shape the Election

The 2024 presidential debates are poised to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the upcoming U.S. election. With high stakes and even higher expectations, these debates will be more than just political theater—they will be pivotal moments that could shape the direction of the nation for years to come.

On September 10, the world will witness a U.S. Presidential debate unlike any other, as Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage against former President Donald Trump. This debate is not just a continuation of past political showdowns; it’s a decisive moment that could define the future of the country.

The Unprecedented Nature of the September 10 Debate

The September 10 debate marks a historic moment in U.S. politics. Never before have we seen a debate quite like this one, with the stakes so high and the participants so sharply divided. The last time Donald Trump took the debate stage was on June 27, where he faced off against President Joe Biden. The landscape has changed dramatically since then, with new dynamics and heightened tensions.

In that earlier debate, Trump emerged as the winner, a fact that set the tone for the months to follow. However, this upcoming debate between Trump and Harris is expected to be a far more intense and consequential encounter. The contrast between Trump’s combative style and Harris’ sharp, calculated approach will be on full display. The debate will not only be a test of their political acumen but also a reflection of the current state of American democracy.

Biden’s Legacy and the Unexpected Turn of 2024

In the 2020 presidential debates, Joe Biden was widely seen as the winner against Donald Trump. His performance was measured and authoritative, cementing his position as a capable leader. However, the 2024 election has thrown a curveball that few anticipated: Biden, once expected to maintain his dominance, faltered in his first debate this year.

The June 27 debate was a stark reminder of the toll that age can take on a politician’s performance. While Biden was able to hold his own four years ago, the signs of decline were evident this time around. The challenge for Harris is not just to distance herself from Biden’s shortcomings but also to prove that she can rise to the occasion where her predecessor stumbled.

Harris’ Strengths and Potential Weaknesses

Kamala Harris enters the debate with a unique set of strengths and potential vulnerabilities. At 59 years old, she is significantly younger than both Biden and Trump, which might give her an edge in terms of stamina and agility. However, the question remains whether there are other weaknesses that could be exposed during the debate.

Harris’ previous debate performances, particularly in her 2020 Vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence, demonstrated her ability to hold her ground. During that debate, which took place on October 7, 2020, at the University of Utah, Harris faced off against Pence in a showdown that was closely watched by millions.

NBC News had three analysts grade the performance: Harris received a B, A-, and B, while Pence was graded with a D, B, and B. Despite some criticism for evasive answers, Harris was generally seen as having effectively countered Pence’s interruptions and maintained her composure.

Lessons From the 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate

The 2020 Vice-Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence provides valuable insights into what we might expect from Harris in the upcoming presidential debate. Harris’ ability to navigate the challenges posed by Pence, who repeatedly interrupted both her and the moderator, was a testament to her debate skills.

The analysts’ grades—B, A-, B for Harris and D, B, B for Pence—reflected the consensus that Harris had the upper hand. However, the debate was not without its criticisms. Both candidates were noted for giving non-answers to critical questions, a point of frustration for viewers and analysts alike. Nevertheless, Harris’ performance was seen as strong, especially considering the high-pressure environment.

The Importance of the Debate Format

The format of the debate can significantly influence the outcome, and this will be no different on September 10. The last time Trump and Biden shared a debate stage, there was no handshake—a symbolic gesture that was notably absent due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This small but significant detail set the tone for a debate that was more about confrontation than dialogue.

As we approach the Harris-Trump debate, it’s worth considering how the format might play a role. The absence of formalities such as a handshake could signal a continuation of the adversarial tone that has characterized recent debates.

Harris has already framed the election as a battle between herself, a former Attorney General, and Trump, whom she has labeled a convicted felon. This framing could shape the debate’s dynamics, pushing both candidates into a more combative stance.

Harris’ Strategy Against Trump

Kamala Harris’ strategy going into the debate will be crucial. As the first female vice president and a former Attorney General of California, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. However, Trump’s ability to dominate the stage with his aggressive style will be a significant challenge.

Harris is expected to counter Trump’s attacks by focusing on her legal background and experience in public service. She has already positioned herself as the candidate of law and order, contrasting Trump’s legal troubles with her own record of upholding the law. This approach could resonate with voters who are looking for stability and competence in leadership.

The Role of Vice-Presidential Debates

While the focus is primarily on the presidential debates, the upcoming Vice-Presidential debate on October 1 should not be overlooked. This debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance will also play a critical role in shaping the election narrative.

The speaking styles of Walz and Vance are expected to differ from those of the presidential candidates, but the underlying themes will remain the same. Both parties will be looking to reinforce their platforms and appeal to undecided voters. Given the high marks that Democrats received for their national convention speeches, particularly those by Harris and Walz, there is less concern about a potential misstep in the vice-presidential debate.

Sporting Odds and the Political Arena

It is also interesting to notice that even betting apps are offering odds for determining the winner in this next election, underscoring the entertainment aspect that has increasingly come to define modern political campaigns.

The intertwining of betting and politics is a reflection of how the electoral process has become a spectacle, with high stakes and unpredictable outcomes. This trend adds another layer of complexity to the election, as public perception and media coverage can influence the odds and, potentially, the results.

Harris vs. Pence: A Look Back

Reflecting on Harris’ previous debate with Mike Pence can provide a glimpse into how she might approach Trump. In the 2020 vice-presidential debate, Harris faced significant challenges, but she managed to hold her own against Pence’s interruptions and evasions.

The letter grades Harris received—B, A-, B—indicate that while her performance was strong, there were areas for improvement. Pence’s grades—D, B, B—suggest that he struggled to connect with the audience, a weakness that Harris could exploit in her debate against Trump.

The Debate’s Potential Impact on the Election

The outcome of the September 10 debate could have far-reaching implications for the 2024 election. With Trump and Harris representing starkly different visions for America’s future, this debate could be a turning point in the campaign.

The debate will likely influence undecided voters, as well as solidify the support of those already aligned with each candidate. Given the importance of this debate, both candidates will be under immense pressure to perform at their best. The stakes are higher than ever, and the potential impact on the election cannot be overstated.

Looking Ahead to October 1

As we look forward to the Vice-Presidential debate on October 1, the dynamics of the Harris-Trump debate will undoubtedly shape expectations. The performances of both Harris and Trump will set the tone for the subsequent debates and could influence the strategies of Walz and Vance.

This upcoming debate season is poised to be one of the most consequential in recent history. With so much on the line, every word, gesture, and response will be scrutinized by voters and analysts alike. The outcome of these debates will not only determine the trajectory of the election but also the future direction of the United States.