When journalist Dana Bash asked Kamala Harris, in the only interview granted since becoming the Democratic Party candidate, about Donald Trump's statements claiming that she had "suddenly turned black", insinuating that she was playing with her race for political purposes, the vice president made a gesture of denial, paused for a few seconds, and instead of taking the bait, she simply said: "The same old playbook, next question."
Many did not understand why she did not respond to something so offensive, so easy to dismantle and use. Some even criticized her, twisting the situation, implying that she did not want to address a possible controversy about whether she is black, Jamaican, Indian, or something else. But Harris' decision, well thought out, is part of a strategy, one that is theoretically valid for Tuesday night's debate.
Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, former Republican presidential candidate, and one of those who helped prepare Trump for the 2016 and 2020 debates, has defined it as "charm and disarm," "captivate or be charming and disarm." "He has to go out and show Americans that there is another way to lead. There is a way to be kind, to be smart and tough at the same time. There is no need to be ranting 24 hours a day." That's what irritates Trump.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton did not know how to handle a torrent of interruptions, attacks, lies, falsehoods, or exaggerations. Going after one was like accepting the others. Trying to cover everything nullified her own message. In 2024, Biden faced the same. Overwhelmed, he could barely mutter some complaints, regrets. His Republican primary rivals also endured insults, outbursts, contempt. No one has found the perfect recipe, and that's what Harris is seeking now. "I think I have the right to personal attacks," the billionaire said about Harris last month. "I don't have much respect for her," he added.
A national television debate, when everything is at stake, is very dangerous. The Republican has had seven in his history, but it is the first for the Democrat. Trump is especially aggressive when women are involved. "A review of his confrontations on stage with women shows how, over nine years in politics, he has perfected a manual of explicitly sexist attacks against female candidates and journalists," according to an analysis by The New York Times.
"Trump has used his physical presence and body language to intimidate women, made veiled threats, complained that they were exceptionally bad, and belittled their qualifications in a way that many women consider blatant sexism."
When Megyn Kelly, then at Fox, moderated and asked him about many derogatory adjectives about women, Trump got angry and suggested that she was treating him poorly because she was menstruating. He has repeatedly done the same with his Republican rivals, mentioning their physical appearance.
What he cannot stand is being ignored, the lack of attention, his insults and attacks not having an impact. For Harris, restraint will be very challenging. She must choose when or in what. One thing is pointing out differences in public policy stances. Replying with Trump's changing position on abortion when he is criticized for cases where she has been inconsistent, from criminalizing those who illegally cross borders to fracking.
But character is another matter. The core of her campaign is precisely to show herself as the opposite of the former president. The former prosecutor against the convicted felon, the first president in history with this condition. Combining assertiveness with that peace and 'charm,' not going too far but not holding back either, not engaging in the game but not staying completely out of it.
The polls are very close. A recent one says that 28% of undecided voters want to know more about her, while over 90% know everything they need to about the president. Harris has prepared with a professional team, rehearsing with actors for days, with many talking points, on television sets.
Trump relies on his instinct, experience, and style. But for the first time, he will not be the main focus, and he doesn't take it well. With Clinton and Biden, the spotlight was on him. Not now. His playbook is known, his style is known. The new one is Harris. And that changes the dynamics from the past.