Trump’s Debate Preparation with Tulsi Gabbard: A Strategic Alliance Against Kamala Harris

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Former President Donald Trump’s debate preparation is reportedly going “great,” according to former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has taken a prominent role in assisting him. According to a report on Friday on The Fox News web site, Gabbard’s insights into Trump’s preparations come at a critical time as the former president gears up for a high-stakes debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10th at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia.

Gabbard’s involvement in Trump’s debate prep signals a strategic alliance that is as unexpected as it is potentially potent. Known for her sharp critiques and unorthodox political stances, Gabbard has positioned herself as a formidable voice in American politics, capable of crossing party lines to challenge the establishment, as was reported by Fox News.  Her role in preparing Trump for the upcoming debate illustrates her willingness to confront former Democratic colleagues, particularly Harris, whom she famously clashed with during the 2019 Democratic primary debates.

Gabbard’s most notable public exchange with Harris occurred during the July 2019 Democratic primary debate. As per the information provided in the Fox News report, in a moment that quickly went viral, Gabbard criticized Harris for her record as California’s Attorney General, particularly highlighting the fact that Harris had overseen the incarceration of over 1,500 people for marijuana violations while later admitting to having used marijuana herself. Gabbard’s sharp rebuke of Harris as hypocritical and out of touch resonated with many voters, leaving a lasting impression on the political landscape.

This previous confrontation between Gabbard and Harris is likely to influence Trump’s debate strategy. According to Gabbard, Trump is keenly focused on Harris’ record, aiming to remind voters of her past actions and their consequences. Fox News also reported that Gabbard emphasized this in a recent interview on “FOX & Friends,” where she outlined the core of Trump’s debate strategy: challenging Harris on what she has done over the past three and a half years, rather than what she promises to do.

“He knows the issues. He is very honed in on her record,” Gabbard told FOX & Friends. “You can paint this rosy picture about what you’re going to do, but we’re paying attention to what you’ve already done and how her policies have destroyed our economy, made us less safe, both here at home and abroad.”

Trump’s decision to bring Gabbard into his debate preparation team highlights a strategic move to capitalize on her previous success in undermining Harris’ credibility. As was observed in the Fox News report, Gabbard, who has transitioned from a Democrat to a vocal independent critic of the Democratic establishment, brings a unique perspective that could prove invaluable to Trump as he seeks to draw a stark contrast between his vision for America and that of Harris and the Biden administration.

Gabbard’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense critic could provide Trump with the rhetorical edge he needs in the debate. Her ability to articulate complex issues in a straightforward manner, combined with her willingness to challenge the status quo, aligns well with Trump’s combative debate style. Moreover, her past experience in debating Harris gives her an insider’s view of Harris’ vulnerabilities, which she can help Trump exploit.

Gabbard is not the only high-profile figure formerly aligned with the Democratic Party who appears to be in Trump’s corner. Now that Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump it signals a significant realignment in the political landscape, as disaffected Democrats and Independents rally around Trump’s candidacy.

The endorsement of Trump by Kennedy, coupled with Gabbard’s active participation in his debate prep, is providing Trump with a powerful coalition of voices critical of the Democratic establishment. This could be particularly effective in appealing to moderate and independent voters who feel alienated by the current direction of the Democratic Party.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time Democrat and environmental activist, has captured the attention of many voters disillusioned with the mainstream Democratic Party. Running as an Independent candidate, Kennedy has drawn support from a diverse coalition of voters who value freedom, transparency, and accountability—principles they feel have been eroded under the current administration.

On Kennedy’s decision to drop out of the race, Gabbard told Fox News, “His supporters are independent-minded people who value freedom, who are concerned about what President Biden and Vice President Harris have done to our country.” She elaborated on the fears driving these voters, including the administration’s handling of foreign policy, which she described as leading the nation “onto the brink of multiple regime change wars, the brink of World War III and nuclear war.”

Gabbard’s remarks touch on a critical point of anxiety for many Americans: the perception that the current administration’s foreign policy is reckless and could have catastrophic consequences. Her use of strong language, invoking the specter of nuclear war, illustrates the high stakes of the upcoming election and the urgency with which these voters view the need for change.

Beyond foreign policy, Gabbard also pointed to domestic issues that are central to Kennedy’s platform and resonate with his supporters. “They’re concerned about this broken health care system and the deep rot of corruption that is entrenched in almost every agency in our government,” she told Fox News.

The criticism of the health care system reflects a broader dissatisfaction with how the Biden-Harris administration has managed key domestic issues. Rising health care costs, limited access to affordable care, and a perception that the system favors corporate interests over the needs of ordinary Americans have fueled discontent, as was noted in the Fox News report.  Gabbard’s comments align with a growing chorus of voices calling for comprehensive reform and greater accountability within government agencies.

Her mention of “the deep rot of corruption” is particularly pointed, suggesting that the problems within the U.S. government are not just about policy failures but are systemic and pervasive. This narrative of entrenched corruption taps into the populist sentiment that has gained traction in recent years, with voters increasingly skeptical of political elites and institutions.

Trump’s debate preparation, with Gabbard’s help, suggests that he is leaving nothing to chance. By honing in on Harris’ record and challenging her on specific policy failures, Trump’s objective is to not only win the debate but also to shift the narrative of the 2024 election in his favor. Gabbard’s involvement adds an element of unpredictability to the debate, as her past attacks on Harris have already proven to be highly effective.

Gabbard’s framing of the 2024 election as a stark choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is indicative of the broader narrative she and Trump’s campaign are trying to build. “We’ll see what Bobby Kennedy decides to do, and no vote should be taken for granted,” Gabbard told Fox News, emphasizing the importance of appealing to Kennedy’s supporters.

While speaking with Fox News, she outlined the “very clear contrast” between Harris and Trump, portraying Harris as a symbol of an “increasingly tyrannical government” that seeks to “take away our freedom” and push the country into more conflicts. In contrast, she painted Trump as a champion of “peace, prosperity, and freedom.”

This dichotomy is central to the argument that Gabbard and Trump are making to win over independent and undecided voters. By positioning Harris as the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the current administration—tyranny, war, and economic mismanagement—they seek to rally those who are disillusioned with the status quo. Meanwhile, Trump is cast as the defender of traditional American values, offering a return to peace and prosperity.