As the presidential debate in Philadelphia draws near, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris refine their distinct strategies in anticipation of a high-stakes confrontation, Daily Mail reported.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are set to face off in a presidential debate hosted by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis. The event scheduled for next week in Philadelphia is drawing significant attention due to the contrasting preparation styles of the two candidates.

Kamala Harris is reportedly preparing in a Pittsburgh hotel, utilizing a Trump stand-in to simulate the debate experience. This preparation aims to polish her responses and adapt her style to counter Trump's debate tactics effectively.

Conversely, Donald Trump, known for his unconventional approach to debate preparations, opts for what he terms 'policy time.' This involves reviewing his presidential record and engaging with questions crafted by his team to sharpen his responses.

Strategic Insights Into Harris and Trump's Debate Preparations

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz is playing a crucial role in Trump's preparation, challenging him with tough questions to mimic the high-pressure environment of the debate stage. Trump's team is focused on dissecting Harris's previous debate performances, including her speech at the Democratic National Convention, to anticipate her strategies.

On the other hand, Harris is focusing on establishing her political identity and connecting with swing voters. Advised by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Harris plans to provoke Trump, hoping to reveal his temperamental reactions under pressure.

Hillary Clinton's advice to Harris is based on her own experiences debating Trump, where she successfully managed to unsettle him. Clinton believes provocation could expose vulnerabilities in Trump’s composure.

Differing Tactics and Preparations Indicate Potential Debate Flashpoints

Trump’s debate approach requires a moderation of his typically aggressive style. His campaign acknowledges the need to adjust his demeanor to avoid alienating undecided voters.

Both campaigns are at odds over the issue of muting microphones. While Trump's team has consented to mute their candidate when he is not speaking, Harris's team argues for keeping the microphones unmuted, a tactic that served her well in her debate against Mike Pence.

Trump is also bracing for a barrage of difficult questions, particularly about his criminal convictions and inconsistent stance on issues like abortion. His senior strategy adviser, Jason Miller, advises focusing on criticizing the current administration's failures, which he attributes directly to Harris's policies and decisions.

Strategic Focus on Personalities and Political Records

According to Miller, the emphasis for Trump will be on the perceived failures of the current administration, linking them directly to Harris to undermine her credibility. “You can’t 'turn the page' when you’re singularly responsible for the current economic and border nightmare our country is living through,” Miller stated, reflecting on the strategy for the upcoming debate.

Harris, meanwhile, plans to portray Trump as repetitive and lacking originality, focusing more on critiquing his policies than attacking his character. This strategy aims to appeal to voters looking for substantive discussions over personal attacks.

The debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the campaign, as Trump brings more recent experience to the stage, having participated in several debates during his previous presidential campaigns. Despite initial hesitations due to concerns about media bias, Trump has committed to participating, viewing withdrawal as a potential sign of weakness.