Kamala Harris and the Debate Challenge
It’s going to be impossible for Kamala Harris to call out every lie Donald Trump makes during the debate. That would take up all her speaking time. But here’s a thought on something she could say.
Setting the Stage
After Trump tells his first obvious lie, which will probably be less than five minutes in, she could start her next response by simply looking at him for a few seconds then turn her eyes to the camera and say:
Calling Out the Lies
Have you noticed that whenever Donald Trump is on trial, he makes a big deal about wanting to testify, but he never does? That’s because when you testify in court you have to tell the truth.
The Truth About Testifying
It’s not illegal for Donald Trump to lie in his Truth Social posts, or in his fundraising emails, or at rallies, or in interviews or commercials. It’s not even illegal for him to lie to you in this debate. But it is illegal to lie in court, and he knows that, which is why he never testifies. That’s something to keep in mind as you listen this evening. If we had to swear in before this debate, my opponent wouldn’t be here.
Getting Back to the Issues
Now, to address the question you asked …
FAQs on Harris and Trump Debate
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- Q: How should Harris handle Trump’s lying in the debate?
A: Harris should focus on fact-based responses, directly addressing Trump’s lies while maintaining a composed demeanor to avoid engaging in personal attacks.
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- Q: What is sanewashing, and how does it relate to Trump?
A: Sanewashing refers to the practice of presenting extreme or radical views as moderate or mainstream. It can protect Trump by making his extreme positions appear more palatable, which imperils America by undermining critical thinking and democratic values.
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- Q: How can Harris counter Trump’s misinformation effectively?
A: Harris can counter Trump’s misinformation by providing credible sources, historical context, and expert opinions to support her claims. She should also emphasize the importance of truth and fact-based decision-making in governance.
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- Q: What role does media play in perpetuating sanewashing?
A: The media can perpetuate sanewashing by giving equal airtime to both sides without adequately fact-checking or contextualizing the information. This can create a false narrative that makes extreme views seem more balanced or reasonable.
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- Q: How does sanewashing impact American politics?
A: Sanewashing impacts American politics by blurring the lines between reality and fiction, making it difficult for citizens to discern truth from falsehood. This can lead to a lack of trust in institutions and the erosion of democratic principles.
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- Q: What strategies can Harris use to address Trump’s lies directly?
A: Harris can use strategies like calling out specific lies, providing evidence, and redirecting the conversation to more substantial issues. She should also be prepared to address the emotional impact of Trump’s lies on his audience.
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- Q: How can the public distinguish between fact and fiction in political debates?
A: The public can distinguish between fact and fiction by relying on credible sources, fact-checking websites, and expert analysis. They should also be cautious of information that seems too good (or bad) to be true and verify claims through multiple sources.
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- Q: What are the consequences of allowing sanewashing to continue unchecked?
A: Allowing sanewashing to continue unchecked can lead to a breakdown in public discourse, the normalization of extremist ideologies, and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions. It can also create an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly, influencing policy decisions and public opinion.
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- Q: How can Harris maintain her composure while addressing Trump’s lies?
A: Harris can maintain her composure by preparing thoroughly for the debate, focusing on her message, and avoiding emotional reactions. She should also practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and stay calm under pressure.
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- Q: What role does social media play in spreading misinformation during political debates?
A: Social media plays a significant role in spreading misinformation during political debates by amplifying false information quickly. It is crucial for social media platforms to implement robust fact-checking mechanisms and algorithms that prioritize credible sources to mitigate the spread of misinformation.
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- Q: How can citizens support Harris in addressing Trump’s lies effectively?
A: Citizens can support Harris by staying informed about the facts, sharing credible information on social media, and holding politicians accountable for their actions. They should also demand fact-based reporting from media outlets and support initiatives that promote media literacy.
