Pence Plays Strategist: Can Trump Out-Debate Harris?

Mike Pence, the former Vice President who famously distanced himself from Donald Trump after the January 6th Capitol riot, is offering some unexpected advice: how to debate Kamala Harris. Pence, in an interview with Real Clear Politics, suggests Trump should focus on attacking Harris's record as Vice President, forcing her to defend the Biden administration's policies. He believes this strategy will be key to success, especially since he feels Harris hasn't been able to effectively defend her record in the past. But is this really the best approach? Could Trump's tendency toward personal attacks derail this strategy? What if Harris is better prepared than Pence anticipates? This raises the question: can Trump truly separate his personal attacks from policy discussions? Pence also emphasizes the importance of avoiding personal insults, a point that might seem ironic given Trump's history. Is Pence truly offering genuine advice, or is there another motive at play? After all, Pence himself is staying out of the 2024 presidential race, but he's certainly not endorsing Harris. This begs the question: does Pence still harbor any loyalty to Trump, or is he simply trying to position himself for future political opportunities? Ultimately, Pence's advice seems to hinge on the assumption that Harris is vulnerable and Trump can exploit those weaknesses. But is this assumption accurate? What if Harris has learned from past debates and is ready to challenge Trump on his own terms?

Actions