Republican pollster Frank Luntz said early Monday that he thinks the upcoming presidential debate is “all that matters,” and outlined what Vice President Harris and former President Trump must do to win voters' support.
During an appearance on CNN, host John Berman asked Luntz what challenges remain for Harris and Trump with less than 70 days to go until the election.
“It's all about the discussion,” Luntz said.
“All of them?” Berman asked.
“Everything,” Lantz responded in a statement. Highlighted by Mediaite. “When voters see two candidates side by side, it's the body language that makes them listen not just to the answers but to what they say. Is there any disrespect? Does someone have their arms crossed? Do they look at the other person when they're talking? Does their approach seem presidential?”
A crucial debate between Harris and Trump is looming in Philadelphia on September 10.
This will be one of Harris' first opportunities to present a policy platform to voters and challenge Trump in real time as she rises in national polls.
There has been much discussion about the rules for the upcoming event, with Harris' campaign asking that microphones remain on while others are speaking, meaning viewers could see Trump interrupt the vice president.
There has been recent speculation as to whether Trump will attend the debate, and if he does, his attitude towards Harris will also be in the spotlight.
“Will Trump be able to stay quiet? Will he actually listen to the reactions or will he have to react to everything,” Luntz told CNN. “Will Harris appear open-minded? Will she appear open-minded to accept information rather than just project it?”
“Each candidate has different goals in the debate, but ultimately they all have to prove they're ready not just in the moment but when voters are thinking, 'who do I want to represent me in two, three, four years?'” he continued.
Luntz also argued that Harris must prove to voters that she has grown since the 2020 Democratic primary debates.
“She has to prove that she's capable of doing that and that Trump won't treat her disrespectfully and unpleasantly, because he lost a lot of women voters in 2020 who voted for him on his policies but not on his character,” Luntz said.
