Kamala Harris' Game Face Proved To Be a Powerful Weapon Against Donald Trump
Kamala Harris‘ cool, calm and collected attitude towards Donald Trump in September 10’s presidential debate seems to be going over well with political analysts and voters on social media alike.
The two presidential candidates faced off in their first debate, televised on NBC from Philadelphia and some of the moments that spoke volumes were moments when Harris didn’t speak at all.
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While Trump fumbled his way through outlandish claims about Democrats’ abortion stances and immigrants, many of which were fact-checked and proven to be false on the spot, Harris displayed a level of composure and restraint that is rare to see in politics since Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Early on, Harris proved that she would not be provoked, smirking and placing her hand on her chin as Trump labelled her (and her father) a “Marxist.” The now-viral moment belittled the former president without Harris having to speak, she didn’t even have to dignify the comment with a response for social media users to widely repost the moment.
When it was her turn to speak, the Vice President didn’t waste time confirming her ideology or dwell on his unsubstantiated claims. She quickly turned the topic to one of the elections most contentious issues — abortion rights.
Harris claimed a Trump presidency could lead to a nationwide abortion ban with increased monitoring on women’s bodies. “That is immoral,” she declared. “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”
While Trump repeatedly ducked and dived away from actually addressing his opponent by name, Harris frequently turned to face him and address him directly, emphasizing her strength and refusal to cower to his intimidation tactics.
Harris has used such a tactic before, gaining viral attention back in 2020 when she shut down Trump’s then-running mate Mike Pence with a raised hand, telling him: “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.” As a woman with a lengthy political career, she knows the importance of standing up to men in her field.
“She knew exactly was she was doing,” CBS News contributor Ed Gordon said of Harris’ facial expressions. “She understood the split-screen.”
While Trump attempted to distance himself from the Republican party’s Project 2025 and brag about his efforts as president during the pandemic, Harris shook her head and looked pained, strategically taking notes with a slight smile, unfazed.
The decision to mute mics while the other person was speaking might have started out as an effort to control the opposing candidates but Harris made it work entirely in her favor.
For more information on your voting rights and to register to vote (or update your registration), visit vote.org.
Before you go, click here to see Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff’s big blended family.
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