Kamala Harris is making ready for her ‘do or die’ debate towards presidential rival Donald Trump on Tuesday by practising towards an aide carrying an orange wig, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The US Vice President has spent all week in intense preparations for the 90-minute debate in Philadelphia, which many consider will determine the end result of November’s presidential election.
Ms Harris has been staging twice-daily mock debates in a room filled with advisers, with shut aide Philippe Reines taking part in the function of Mr Trump, full with orange wig and three-inch platforms in his sneakers to make him the identical imposing peak because the 6ft 3in former President.
An knowledgeable supply advised the Mail on Sunday: ‘Kamala is aware of that is her do or die second. You solely have to take a look at the primary debate and what occurred to Joe Biden to understand how excessive the stakes are.
‘She’s a sensible lady, a former prosecutor, so preparation is every part for her.’
Kamala Harris (pictured in March) goes face to face with Trump on Tuesday 10 September
Massachusetts delegate Jimmy Davidson wears a Donald Trump fashion wig on the 2016 RNC
President Biden was compelled to drop out of the presidential race after a disastrous look towards Mr Trump in a debate in June that uncovered him as outdated and doddery and led supporters akin to George Clooney to demand he step apart in favour of Ms Harris.
Trump stand-in Mr Reines is a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton and thought of ‘one of many smartest Democrats on the market’.
The supply mentioned: ‘The Dems used to observe Michelle Obama’s mantra of ‘After they go low, we go excessive’, however now the gloves are off. Kamala’s being prepped to poke the bear.
‘The main target has been on how one can goad Trump into shedding his mood on dwell TV in entrance of thousands and thousands.
‘Philippe’s a superb strategist. It’d sound humorous to say he is carrying a wig and lifts in his sneakers, but it surely’s all about getting Kamala 100 per cent prepared.
‘The candidates will likely be standing at podiums. Philippe needs her to know precisely how huge Trump will seem.
‘Trump is obsessive about folks teasing him about his small palms, so be prepared for a joke about that.
‘Kamala will assault him for all of the loopy stuff he is mentioned, like speaking concerning the ‘late, nice, Hannibal Lecter’.
‘She’s unlikely to name him President Trump, regardless that that could be a courtesy given to all ex-presidents. The staff is engaged on zingers about Trump being a convicted felon and the way she, as a lawyer, locked up males like him.’
Extremely, Ms Harris and Mr Trump – who’re neck and neck within the polls – have by no means met or spoken and have been in the identical room solely as soon as earlier than, for his State of the Union deal with in 2018.
‘We’re heading into the unknown,’ the supply mentioned. ‘They’re each combating for the soundbite that can go around the globe.’
Ms Harris is more likely to convey up final yr’s civil trial, when Mr Trump was discovered responsible for sexual battery towards author E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her in a division retailer altering room.
The previous President’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed he has not undergone any debate coaching.
‘Trump is obsessive about folks teasing him about his small palms, so be prepared for a joke about that,’ a supply advised the Mail on Sunday (Trump pictured on September 6 in New York Metropolis)
Trump, pictured debating Joe Biden earlier this yr, is claimed to be brushing up on his previous document throughout ‘coverage periods’
‘President Trump has confirmed to be top-of-the-line debaters in political historical past, as evidenced by his knockout blow to Joe Biden.
‘He has a command of the problems, regularly sits down for interviews and takes questions from hostile media virtually day-after-day.’
Mr Trump memorably stalked Hillary Clinton round a debate stage in 2016, hovering over her as she answered questions in a method she mentioned ‘made my pores and skin crawl’.
A supply at TV community ABC, which is internet hosting Tuesday’s debate, mentioned: ‘Most individuals suppose whoever wins would be the subsequent president. The strain is on Harris to over-perform.
‘This may come all the way down to temperament. Can he hold his mood and may she seem presidential?’
