Governor Issues Surprising Warning About Upcoming Trump-Harris Debate

In a crucial warning, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has urged Vice President Kamala Harris not to underestimate former President Donald Trump in their potential upcoming debate.

At a Glance

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker advised Vice President Kamala Harris to be cautious in her upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump on Sept. 10.
Pritzker emphasized not underestimating Trump, noting his past debate successes.
The debate will be hosted by ABC News.
Harris’ team has pushed to change the debate rules regarding microphone usage.
Pritzker expressed concern over Trump’s recent retaliatory rhetoric.

Pritzker Issues a Warning

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a significant caution for Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of her potential debate against former President Donald Trump. Pritzker stressed the need to remain vigilant and not underestimate Trump’s debate prowess. “Nobody should underestimate Donald Trump’s ability to beat Kamala Harris in their upcoming high-stakes debate,” remarked Pritzker.

Pritzker highlighted Trump’s past debate achievements. He mentioned that Trump’s skillful tactics could greatly influence the political dynamics. According to Pritzker, the upcoming debate, hosted by ABC News, requires Harris and her advisors to prepare thoroughly and strategically.

Debate Preparation and Tactics

Pritzker acknowledged Harris’s capabilities, warning that they might not be enough to secure a debate victory over Trump. He affirmed, “We shouldn’t be thinking that somehow Kamala Harris has a greater ability to win a debate than Donald Trump,” emphasizing the importance of effective communication and staying composed under pressure.

“I don’t think anybody should underestimate Donald Trump,” Pritzker told CNN’s Sara Sidner. “He has won a couple of debates that he did. Certainly, people would say that he won the debate against President Biden a couple of months ago.”

Furthermore, Harris’s team requests changes to the debate rules concerning microphone usage, deviating from the previous guidelines. Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon criticized the Trump campaign’s stance, stating in a social media post, “The memo sent by ABC is a draft set of rules that both campaigns need to sign off on and indicate agreement. We have not done so because we think both candidates have expressed a clear desire to have hot mics. Not clear why Trump staff is overruling their principal, who should be capable of making up his own mind.”

Public and Media Reactions

Veteran pollster Frank Luntz commented on the high stakes of the debate, stating, “The debate will be crucial for voters, focusing on both verbal responses and body language.” Luntz mentioned that voters are keen to observe if Trump can maintain composure and listen and if Harris can appear open-minded and receptive.

Pritzker also expressed deep concern over Trump’s recent retaliatory rhetoric, comparing it to the history of Europe in the 1930s and 40s. Trump has signaled a desire for revenge against his perceived enemies, stating to his supporters that he would be their “retribution” if re-elected and promising to investigate “every Marxist prosecutor in America.”

Anticipation and Concerns

Critics are anxious about a potential second Trump administration, fearing it might lack the guardrails of his first term. Sarah Matthews, a former Trump aide, emphasized that Trump’s policies seem focused on consolidating power for personal revenge rather than improving the lives of Americans. She expressed concern that voters do not fully recognize the dangers of Trump’s rhetoric.

“He has won a couple of debates that he did,” Pritzker said of Trump during an appearance on CNN. “Certainly, people would say that he won the debate against President Biden a couple of months ago,” the Harris surrogate added.

The upcoming debate is pivotal for both Harris and Trump. It will test their communication strength, strategic preparations, and ability to connect with voters, ultimately shaping the political landscape as America edges closer to the 2024 presidential election.

Last night's comments from Donald Trump are a stark reminder that he's unfit for leadership.

This isn't just dangerous; it's disgraceful.

Our top generals have warned us—Trump is a threat to our security. pic.twitter.com/KG7OPXjkGQ

— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) October 12, 2023