Harris Refused to Practice Mannerisms Before Trump Debate: New Report

Vice president Kamala Harris reportedly declined to rehearse specific mannerisms for her recent debate with former president Donald Trump, opting instead to rely on her natural expressiveness, according to a new report by the Associated Press.

This latest report is based on interviews with five people close to Harris, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private conversations and reveal new details about how she prepared for and handled the debate.

According to the sources, Harris waved off suggestions from her staff to practice pre-planned gestures and expressions during debate preparations. “She would be fine without that kind of rehearsal,” Harris reportedly told her team.

The September 10th presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia marked the first time Harris and Trump had met in person. It may also prove to be the only opportunity for voters to see the two candidates’ side by side, as Trump has stated he will not participate in future debates.

Harris’ team reportedly spent five days preparing in downtown Pittsburgh, recreating the debate set and enlisting Philippe Reines, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton, to play the role of Trump. Reines, known for his meticulous impersonations, donned a dark suit, long red tie, and even orange bronzer to embody the former president.

One of the key strategic decisions made by Harris’ team was to capitalize on the split-screen format, where both candidates would be visible at all times. Learning from President Joe Biden‘s previous disastrous debate performance, where he often appeared aimless during Trump’s speaking time, Harris opted for a more dynamic approach. She reportedly used silent commentary through facial expressions – laughing, raising her eyebrows, and adopting quizzical looks – to react to Trump’s statements without interrupting.

This strategy proved effective, particularly during one of the debate’s most bizarre moments. Less than an hour before Harris left her Philadelphia hotel, her communications team briefed her on a false and racist rumor that Trump had been spreading on social media about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, allegedly eating people’s pets. True to their prediction, Trump brought up this unfounded claim during the debate, stating that migrants were “eating the dogs” and “they’re eating the cats.” Harris’ response – a laugh, a head shake, and an incredulous stare – became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The debate also showcased Harris’ ability to think on her feet. When Trump made outlandish claims about Haitians “eating pets” or personal attacks about her heritage, she countered with measured responses and occasional mockery. Her opening move of striding towards Trump to shake his hand set the tone for her confident performance.

The impact of the debate on voter opinions was clear – A flash poll published by CNN immediately after the debate found that 63 percent of viewers thought Harris emerged as the victor, against 37 percent for Trump. Harris also saw her odds of victory in November improve with leading bookmakers after the debate, many of which concluded she was now the favorite.

A Morning Consult survey of 3,317 likely voters conducted on September 11, the day after the debate, also put Harris ahead with 50 percent against 45 percent for Trump. The poll had a margin of error of two percentage points. Ipsos surveyed 1,405 registered voters for Reuters over September 11-12, which found Harris had a 5-point lead with 47 percent of the vote against Trump’s 42 percent. The survey came with a three percent margin of error.

The report also reveals that Harris rarely left her hotel during debate preparations, save for a brief trip to Penzeys Spices and a walk on a military airbase tarmac with her husband, Doug Emhoff. When asked if she was ready for the debate, Harris gave reporters a thumbs-up and a simple “ready.”

Newsweek contacted Harris and Trump’s campaign via email on Sunday for comment.