Matt Gaetz warns Kamala Harris has 'higher bar' to clear in Tuesday's debate than Trump

Gaetz claimed Harris has been "wrapped in bubble wrap" since becoming the Democratic nominee last month, and needs to come out strong in the debate if she wants to secure the presidency in November.

By Misty Severi

Published: September 9, 2024 4:48pm

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday said Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris had a "higher bar" to clear in the upcoming debate than former President Donald Trump, because she has not been pushed on her policies.

Trump and Harris are set to face off in the second presidential debate of the 2024 season, but the first for the current pair after President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection. The debate will take place in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and will be moderated by ABC News' David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Gaetz claimed Harris has been "wrapped in bubble wrap" since becoming the Democratic nominee last month, and needs to come out strong in the debate if she wants to secure the presidency in November.

“I think she’s got a far higher bar that she has to clear because a lot of people haven’t seen her pressed with straightforward questions about her record,” Gaetz said, per The Hill. “If President Trump ties Kamala Harris to her record, which we have every confidence he’ll do, that will be a success because the American people will see what a dangerous, radical liberal she is."

Gaetz added that Trump is in the better situation heading into the debate because his performance during the first debate was the “most dominant performance” in history.

The Florida lawmaker is reportedly helping Trump prepare for the debate, alongside former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

The debate will take place at 9 p.m. at the National Constitution Center, air on ABC News Live, and be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.