Clash of the Titans: Trump and Harris Prepare for High-Stakes Economic Debate

Tonight, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in a highly anticipated debate in Philadelphia, with economic issues expected to take center stage. The two political heavyweights have never met in person before, setting the stage for a tense and potentially explosive confrontation.

Sparks Set to Fly as Trump and Harris Clash on Economic Policies

The Battle Over "Comrade Kamala"

One of former President Trump's favorite attacks on Harris has been to label her as "Comrade Kamala," a blatantly false and inflammatory nickname that he has used to paint her as a far-left candidate who would damage the economy. Harris, however, has been working to counter this narrative, unveiling a series of moderate economic proposals in recent weeks, including a plan to significantly increase tax credits for new entrepreneurs and a split from President Biden on long-term capital gains.The effort to define Harris in the minds of voters is a crucial task for both campaigns, especially after a recent poll found that 28% of likely voters say they need to know more about the vice president. Harris has vowed to bring the country together and move past the divisiveness, but she will need to convince voters of her business-friendly credentials while standing just feet away from Trump.

Trump's Tariff Troubles

Another key issue that is likely to come up is Trump's plans for tariffs. The former president has promised to levy duties of 10% to 20% on U.S. trading partners and even higher rates of 60% on China if he is elected. This could lead to additional costs of up to $3,900 for a typical family each year, according to estimates from the left-leaning Center for American Progress.The Harris campaign has seized on this figure, accusing Trump of proposing a "national sales tax" through his tariff plans. Trump has brushed off the charge, but he may be directly confronted with the issue by Harris or the debate moderators. The former president is unlikely to back down from his tariff plans, having recently doubled down on the idea at the Economic Club of New York, even in the face of persistent business world worries.

The Muted Mics: A Chance for Substance?

After weeks of back-and-forth, the Harris campaign has agreed to mics that will be muted when it's not a candidate's turn to speak. This could provide the candidates with more time and space to explain their policies in detail, rather than being interrupted.However, analysts are skeptical that the candidates will use this opportunity to break new ground on their economic plans. "Any incremental new information we get is helpful, but I'm holding my breath that we're going to learn a lot," said Stifel's chief Washington policy strategist, Brian Gardner.The debate is expected to cover a wide range of issues, from abortion to immigration, but the economic showdown between Trump and Harris is likely to be the main event. With both candidates eager to define the other in the minds of voters, the clash could be one for the history books.