The decisive live debate between the two US presidential candidates

According to CNN, on September 10 (local time, September 11 Vietnam time), an important event in the US political race will take place. It is the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, a confrontation that is not only an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their leadership ability but also a great challenge in asserting themselves before voters.

The debate is drawing intense public attention, especially since Mr. Trump kicked off his campaign with some shocking statements. For example, on September 9, former President Trump issued dire warnings, including vowing to jail election officials he said were cheating and pardon protesters on January 6, 2021. These statements not only reflect Mr. Trump’s tactical style but also raise concerns about his mental stability and leadership ability.

Meanwhile, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has chosen Pittsburgh as her debate practice location. She is working to prepare for the debate with a clear strategy and a focus on communicating her policies. But Vice President Harris faces a major challenge: a recent poll found that 28% of likely voters said they needed more information about her, suggesting that Harris will need to work hard to improve her image and explain her policies more clearly.

The debate between Harris and Trump was thus not just a direct confrontation but also an opportunity for the candidates to shape voters’ perceptions. Harris has sought to portray herself as a candidate for change, a radical departure from the political era dominated by Trump. She has called for national unity and proposed a new way forward. In contrast, Trump is seeking to use the debate to defend his position and highlight his opponent’s weaknesses. Former President Trump has criticized Harris on issues such as inflation and high mortgage rates, accusing her of staying away from policy details.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has pointed out that dealing with Trump in a debate will require an “almost superhuman” level of focus and discipline. Former President Trump is not only a political opponent, but also a “master” at turning the debate to his advantage. Trump’s debate style has been evident in many previous debates, where he often turns every situation into a stage for his own personal expression.

Harris, by contrast, is working to avoid high-pressure situations in which she has little recent experience. She has participated in mock practice sessions and studied Trump’s debate tactics closely. She hopes to use her skills as a former prosecutor to attack and clarify Trump’s policies.

Financially, Harris’s campaign has outraised Trump’s, giving her the resources to ramp up her campaign in the final months before Election Day. However, polls show the race is very tight, with Harris averaging 49% support and Trump at 47%. This suggests that the debate will be a significant event not only for the candidates but also for American voters.

In short, the debate on September 10 (US time) is not only an important opportunity for Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump to express their positions, but also could shape the future of the presidential election. Vice President Harris will have to prove that she can be an effective leader and a necessary change, while former President Trump will seek to defend his achievements and clarify the policies he considers superior.