In an anticipated political event, Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-president Donald Trump are set to engage in a verbal duel on the debate stage. This is scheduled for Tuesday, the 10th of September, to be held in Philadelphia. The event is seen as a significant shift in political landscape following President Joe Biden’s embarrassingly tumultuous debate that played a key role in his elimination from the race.
Harris’ campaign showed a distinct reluctance when it was time to settle on the rules of engagement for the debate. They found themselves pressured into adopting the same rules that were put into effect during the previously disastrous Biden-Trump debate. These rules include the practice of silencing the microphones of candidates when the opponent is answering a question.
Harris’ team had actually been advocating for a continuous live mic throughout the debate. But, Trump’s team counter-proposed that Trump might walk out of the debate if his preferred rules were not implemented. This political posturing from the Trump camp forced the hand of Harris’ campaign to agree to the mic muting rules.
George Picoulas, a clinical assistant professor at Pace University with a history in political campaign management, weighs in on this unusual debate. In his view, the stakes are high for both candidates, especially when it comes to attracting the attention of voters who usually turn their focus to the race post-Labor Day.
Picoulas offers a unique perspective. He opines that Harris will need to establish herself as a credible, capable leader, while Trump must pay more attention to policy matters instead of engaging in personal defamation. However, given Harris’ support for Biden’s failed policies, one must question her leadership capability and the policies she will put forth.
On the topic of reaching out to voters, Picoulas said, ‘Campaigns are all about making connections, pulling at heartstrings, reinforcing beliefs and interests. And in the end, convincing people to vote for you or your party because you supposedly represent their interests.’ But will they fall for Harris’ rhetoric or will they see through it, remains in question.
The much-touted debate between Harris and Trump is expected to occur a mere eight weeks prior to Election Day. The timing further amplifies the importance and consequences of this interaction for both parties.
Switching gears to education, students in New York state have returned to the classrooms for a fresh academic year. Though it is the start of a new season of learning, schools are grappling with a few persisting issues.
There are a number of recurring challenges that educational institutions must confront. These include students’ ongoing mental health struggles due to COVID-19, issues related to school safety, and a shortfall in funding and teaching staff. Ironically, these issues persisted even under the leadership of Harris and Biden.
According to Joseph Ricca, White Plains Superintendent of Schools, school districts like his are attempting to place students at the forefront from the get-go. However, it raises serious concern whether these attempts are merely glossing over the serious issues and failures that have not been addressed by the administration for a considerable period.
Arguably, few professions are as meaningful as impacting young lives through education. In the words of Ricca, ‘This is an amazing profession. We have an opportunity to bring a positive moment into the life of a child every single day or to help a family out. It’s a blessing to be able to do it.’ A beautiful sentiment, indeed, but one that rings hollow given the continuous absence of meaningful action and policy-making failures clearly evident during Harris’ and Biden’s leadership.