Democratic strategist James Carville believes former President Trump made a “big mistake” by agreeing to debate Vice President Harris and predicted the Democratic candidate would do “pretty well” on Tuesday night.
“I hate to say this, because I shouldn't say it, but I think Trump is walking into a big trap,” Carville said in an interview with NBC News' Hallie Jackson on Monday. “I think she's very well prepared. She's been in Pittsburgh, and they have really good people there to prepare her.”
Carville added that expectations for Harris have been lowered after Biden's “terrible” debate in June, adding, “It's not that Trump did great, it's that Biden didn't do very well at all.”
“I think she's going to do pretty well, even though she may end up retracting her comments on Wednesday,” Carville said, “and I think it was a big mistake for him to accept this debate.”
In a separate interview on Monday, Carville said Tuesday night's debate was “very important” for the American public to get to know Harris and her policies. “Dan Abrams Live” from NewsNation.
“I think Vice President Harris plays a big role,” Carville said of the debate. “Trump is a total known figure. I think tomorrow night's debate is very important.”
He reiterated his optimism about Harris' performance, saying Trump should be prepared “because she's going after him.”
“I think she's going to be at her best. I don't know what's going on in Trump world, but Trump better buckle up his chin strap because she's going to come after him and she's going to explain herself,” Carville said. “I think she's going to do pretty well. I've heard good things from Pittsburgh.”
The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for response.
The interview came ahead of a key debate on Tuesday night in which the candidates will face off for the first and possibly only time this election cycle. The two campaigns have not agreed to additional debates, though both have left the possibility open.
The debate will be hosted by ABC News and will be simulcast on other networks, including NewsNation, starting at 9 p.m.
NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.
