CNN political commentator Van Jones said late Thursday that Vice President Harris “humiliated” former President Trump during this week's debate, adding that the Democratic candidate could have stopped the “elder abuse” toward the end of the debate.
“Kamala Harris has done something that no politician has ever done before,” Jones said during an appearance on CNN Newsnight. “She didn't just punch him, she humiliated him.
“He was the Pac-Man of American politics,” Jones added. Highlight From Mediaite: “He devours politicians, swallows them and spits them out, treating 16 Republican governors and senators like they're nothing. And even when things go wrong, there's usually something to point to.”
Tuesday night's debate was the first time the candidates met face to face. They clashed over a range of issues, including the economy, immigration, abortion and health care. Harris repeatedly tried to get on Trump's nerves, and at times appeared to succeed, as the Republican candidate visibly grew annoyed during the exchange. A CNN poll released after the debate found that 63% of registered voters said Harris performed better than Trump. About 37% thought Harris won.
“I think that she beat him up so badly that he's really afraid to come back,” Jones told CNN. “So those last 20 minutes, I think she could have stopped the elder abuse at that point and focused more on her program. I wish she had, but she's had enough of it now. And now that vibe's gone.”
Jones, the commentator and Democratic strategist, added that Harris should appear in the media more, but said the debate showed her ability to negotiate with political leaders at home and abroad.
“I think she's going to be doing a lot of interviews,” he said. “I wanted her to be doing interviews. I agree with you. She needs to work out her plan, but first she had to prove that she's a woman who can get along with any man, Putin, Donald Trump or whoever. And she has proven that.”
Earlier this week, a CNN commentator said Harris “held the former president on the spot” during the debate.
Trump said Thursday that he would not be arguing with Harris again.
