Well…Former President Donald Trump finally got the chance to debate Vice President Kamala Harris. From my perspective, what I saw was not so much a difference in politics and policies as it was a difference in personal style. Here’s my take on that particular matter in a nutshell.
Although Trump came across as relatively vulgar and crass (what a shocker) he also struck me as a person who relies more on gut feelings and street smarts than statesmanship and diplomacy to deal with sticky issues both here and abroad.
Harris, on the other hand, struck me as a by-the-book bureaucrat who speaks in “dream-like” terms like “aspirations”, “hope”, and “joy” — just like a politician. She also did a terrible job of explaining her string of major policy flip-flops and how although her policies have changed, her values haven’t.
Honestly, I don’t even know what that means, and the fact that Harris couldn’t articulate it tells me she doesn’t, either (the fact that ABC didn’t press her on it helped her a lot).
She also couldn’t explain why she isn’t already doing all of the things she says she’ll do if elected. Her delivery was more memorized than authentic — she was never put on the spot (did she have a “cheat sheet”?).
And that’s the fundamental difference between Trump and Harris, as I see it. Lies aside, Trump is authentic and Harris is not. I know what Trump is…I still don’t know what Harris is, and that’s what’s going to guide my vote.
Let’s see how long Harris’ luck holds out. Just to be fair, the second debate should be hosted by Fox News.
— Arthur Saginian, Santa Clarita
