Sources close to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign say the candidate is gearing up for a packed schedule during the final push before the November 5 elections. Part of the preparation will be beefing up Trump’s acumen during any debates he may have with Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.
Media reports are not naming their sources, and those sources say the rest of the Trump campaign will look a lot like it has for the past week. Trump has packed in numerous rallies and sit-down interviews with journalists and podcasters, while Kamala Harris has yet to give any formal interviews or release a policy platform.
One of Trump’s advisers said voters can expect Trump to have several events every week, and perhaps daily. Another one said the former president may commit to visiting two states each day.
“Think Trump on steroids,” the adviser said.
Harris and Trump are expected to meet for their first debate on September 10 on ABC, and they’re quarreling over the rules. Trump wants the same rules that applied to his earlier CNN debate with then-candidate President Joe Biden. During that event, the candidates’ microphones were muted, and neither was allowed to bring notes or similar materials. Now, the Harris campaign wants ABC to relent on mic-muting.
In the meantime, Trump is meeting with GOP lawmakers for a series of “policy discussions” that sources say look like debate preparation, and similar to the meetings he held prior to the June 27 debate with President Joe Biden. One source said the format worked so well for Trump the last time, that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Another source close to the Trump camp says Trump doesn’t like the traditional way of prepping for a debate, such as practice runs. Instead, he likes to study his adversary and work on how to respond in informal talks with close advisers.
Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Trump on Monday, August 26, following the shocking endorsement of Trump by Robert F. Kenney Jr., who suspended his own independent campaign and joined Trump’s. Gabbard is reportedly working with Trump to help him understand Kamala Harris’ style of debate.
For his trouble, Kennedy had to face a scathing public dressing down by several of his family members, led by his sister Kerry Kennedy.