Former CNN Host Says Harris Will Be ‘Nervous’ In Debate With Trump

In a recent livestream, former CNN host Chris Cillizza predicted that Vice President Kamala Harris might feel "nervous" ahead of her debate with former President Donald Trump, given his extensive experience in high-profile debates.

While discussing the upcoming face-off on his YouTube channel, Cillizza noted that this will be Trump's seventh general election debate, a level of experience Harris lacks in a presidential context, though she has participated in a vice-presidential debate.

“I think there is a level of kind of comfort there for him. And she’s never been in a presidential debate before,” Cillizza said, adding that Harris may have more at stake in terms of potential voter movement. However, he downplayed the idea that Harris would “fumble” the debate, even though one viewer suggested that might happen.

Reports have indicated that Harris has been preparing in Pittsburgh for several days, while Trump has said he isn’t focusing heavily on debate prep. However, Trump has reportedly brought in former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to help him prepare. Gabbard has previously debated Harris and advised Trump to concentrate on highlighting Harris's character during the debate.

Gabbard told the Washington Examiner that Harris's character is an issue she had exposed during the 2019 Democratic primary, criticizing her for hypocrisy and inconsistencies in her record. “She would hold people to one standard and hold herself to a different standard,” Gabbard said. She advised Trump to address both Harris's character and policies during the debate, although other Trump supporters have suggested a focus on her policy positions.

Despite the upcoming debate, Trump has expressed confidence, telling reporters, “I think my whole life, I’ve been preparing for a debate,” downplaying the need for extensive preparation. The debate is set to air at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.