How Kamala Harris Neutralizes Her Rivals in Politics
An analysis of her most unforgettable moments during debates and on stage provides insights into her approach to confronting Trump.
TroibNews 
Lawyers typically prefer to ask questions rather than provide answers, a tendency that has also characterized Kamala Harris throughout her political career at the national level.
During her four years in the Senate, Harris established herself as one of the most adept and incisive questioners among Democrats in high-profile hearings. She showcased her skills during the 2020 election cycle as well.
Now, she faces a critical moment on Tuesday night, engaging in a debate with Donald Trump—the first, and possibly the only, debate between them before the upcoming Election Day.
In anticipation of this pivotal event, we will take a look back at significant instances from Harris' Senate tenure and her debate experiences, examining how she has leveraged her legal expertise to command attention and assess whether she can effectively employ those tactics against Trump.
As illustrated in various clips, Harris is generally successful at articulating clear and direct points with a professional and measured tone, even if the content sometimes lacks substance. She often focuses on specific but impactful issues that resonate with the audience, successfully making her opponents visibly uneasy in a way that can unsettle them.
The crucial question remains: How effective will these skills be when faced with Trump, especially given the debate rules that restrict her ability to engage directly? She will also need to adjust her approach to contend with a candidate whose style—often meandering and incoherent—stands in stark contrast to her own.
1. **Harris Questions Kavanaugh About the Mueller Probe**
Harris received commendations for her exchange with Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearings regarding whether he had discussed special counsel Robert Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation with anyone affiliated with Trump. In the clip, Harris is assertive and persistent in her questioning—implying she might possess information capable of derailing his confirmation. Kavanaugh’s lack of clarity in response only exacerbated the situation.
Nevertheless, there were weaknesses in Harris’ strategy; she altered her wording over time, making it difficult for Kavanaugh and viewers to track the line of questioning. The most significant flaw was that there was ultimately no substantial outcome, as Kavanaugh flatly denied the insinuation of inappropriate discussions, and Harris eventually acknowledged that he had “put the issue to rest.”
In summary, the exchange lacked substance, yet Harris' confident demeanor engaged observers and temporarily unsettled Kavanaugh.
2. **Harris Challenges Barr on His Decision Not to Prosecute Trump**
Harris initiated her questioning of Attorney General Bill Barr with a classic yes-or-no query regarding whether Trump or anyone from the White House suggested he investigate anyone. Although the question was straightforward, Barr feigned confusion, allowing Harris to move on confidently. When Barr attempted to clarify his earlier statement, Harris expertly maintained control and cut him off.
Continuing, Harris pressed Barr on whether he “personally” reviewed “all of the underlying evidence” before deciding that Trump should not face obstruction of justice charges following Barr's quick review of Mueller’s summary memo.
While the inquiry lacked compelling legal merit—given the impracticality of Barr reviewing all evidence in such a short period—the questioning emphasized a politically resonant point: Barr appeared to hastily exonerate Trump in a significant political and legal scandal.
3. **Harris Grills Sessions on His Congressional Testimony**
Harris' questioning technique with Attorney General Jeff Sessions began with a familiar lawyerly tactic: asking if he had used any materials to refresh his memory before his testimony. This common strategy aims to assess the witness's knowledge and possibly compel them to produce relevant material.
In this instance, Harris turned a simple procedural inquiry into an embarrassing moment for Sessions, who struggled to provide clear answers and, more importantly, maintain his composure. “I’m not able to be rushed this fast,” he admitted. “It makes me nervous.”
Form triumphed over substance here as well; Harris did not obtain any new commitments from Sessions but successfully portrayed him as evasive and ill-prepared.
4. **Harris Interrogates Haspel About CIA Interrogations**
In a brief but significant clip, Harris opened with a direct yes-or-no question to Gina Haspel, Trump’s nominee for CIA director: “Do you believe that [the CIA’s] previous interrogation techniques were immoral?”
The question carried substantial political weight given concerns over Haspel’s potential involvement in endorsing harsh interrogation techniques during the George W. Bush administration. Unlike other exchanges, this one had a clear and critical point: If Haspel could not categorically reject those techniques, her suitability to lead the agency was in question.
As Haspel appeared to struggle with the question and ultimately evaded an answer, Harris promptly concluded the exchange by stating, “You’ve not answered the question, but I’m going to move on.”
5. **Harris Skewers Biden During the 2020 Democratic Primaries**
Perhaps Harris’ most memorable television moment came when she directly confronted Joe Biden—then her competitor for the 2020 Democratic nomination—over his past opposition to federally mandated busing to desegregate schools in light of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Key elements of this exchange include Harris’ powerful use of indignation to propel the discussion and engage the audience while steadfastly asserting her point. She expertly incorporated her personal history as a child during that era into a larger political critique—demonstrating the persuasive power of compelling personal narratives in both law and politics.
This encounter provided valuable new context to viewers about both Biden’s record and her own experiences growing up.
However, with the upcoming debate rules favoring a more muted discourse—where each candidate's microphone will be silenced while the other speaks—it may be challenging for Harris to create a similarly impactful moment.
6. **Harris Holds Firm Against Pence**
While not particularly remarkable overall, Harris’ one-on-one debate with then-Vice President Mike Pence featured a standout moment when she asserted, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” after he interrupted her. This phrase has since been echoed during her 2024 campaign, resonating with her supporters.
Throughout the debate, Harris used variants of this phrase to manage interruptions, showcasing its effectiveness for three reasons: it is relatable, it diminishes the other party’s presence, and it projects confidence and composure in a challenging setting.
With the vice presidential debates typically seen as lacking urgency, Harris’ ability to handle interruptions meant a draw for her at the time, marking a win for her campaign.
As Harris prepares to engage Trump, it will be fascinating to observe how she navigates the daunting challenge of this consequential public appearance.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
During her four years in the Senate, Harris established herself as one of the most adept and incisive questioners among Democrats in high-profile hearings. She showcased her skills during the 2020 election cycle as well.
Now, she faces a critical moment on Tuesday night, engaging in a debate with Donald Trump—the first, and possibly the only, debate between them before the upcoming Election Day.
In anticipation of this pivotal event, we will take a look back at significant instances from Harris' Senate tenure and her debate experiences, examining how she has leveraged her legal expertise to command attention and assess whether she can effectively employ those tactics against Trump.
As illustrated in various clips, Harris is generally successful at articulating clear and direct points with a professional and measured tone, even if the content sometimes lacks substance. She often focuses on specific but impactful issues that resonate with the audience, successfully making her opponents visibly uneasy in a way that can unsettle them.
The crucial question remains: How effective will these skills be when faced with Trump, especially given the debate rules that restrict her ability to engage directly? She will also need to adjust her approach to contend with a candidate whose style—often meandering and incoherent—stands in stark contrast to her own.
1. **Harris Questions Kavanaugh About the Mueller Probe**
Harris received commendations for her exchange with Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearings regarding whether he had discussed special counsel Robert Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation with anyone affiliated with Trump. In the clip, Harris is assertive and persistent in her questioning—implying she might possess information capable of derailing his confirmation. Kavanaugh’s lack of clarity in response only exacerbated the situation.
Nevertheless, there were weaknesses in Harris’ strategy; she altered her wording over time, making it difficult for Kavanaugh and viewers to track the line of questioning. The most significant flaw was that there was ultimately no substantial outcome, as Kavanaugh flatly denied the insinuation of inappropriate discussions, and Harris eventually acknowledged that he had “put the issue to rest.”
In summary, the exchange lacked substance, yet Harris' confident demeanor engaged observers and temporarily unsettled Kavanaugh.
2. **Harris Challenges Barr on His Decision Not to Prosecute Trump**
Harris initiated her questioning of Attorney General Bill Barr with a classic yes-or-no query regarding whether Trump or anyone from the White House suggested he investigate anyone. Although the question was straightforward, Barr feigned confusion, allowing Harris to move on confidently. When Barr attempted to clarify his earlier statement, Harris expertly maintained control and cut him off.
Continuing, Harris pressed Barr on whether he “personally” reviewed “all of the underlying evidence” before deciding that Trump should not face obstruction of justice charges following Barr's quick review of Mueller’s summary memo.
While the inquiry lacked compelling legal merit—given the impracticality of Barr reviewing all evidence in such a short period—the questioning emphasized a politically resonant point: Barr appeared to hastily exonerate Trump in a significant political and legal scandal.
3. **Harris Grills Sessions on His Congressional Testimony**
Harris' questioning technique with Attorney General Jeff Sessions began with a familiar lawyerly tactic: asking if he had used any materials to refresh his memory before his testimony. This common strategy aims to assess the witness's knowledge and possibly compel them to produce relevant material.
In this instance, Harris turned a simple procedural inquiry into an embarrassing moment for Sessions, who struggled to provide clear answers and, more importantly, maintain his composure. “I’m not able to be rushed this fast,” he admitted. “It makes me nervous.”
Form triumphed over substance here as well; Harris did not obtain any new commitments from Sessions but successfully portrayed him as evasive and ill-prepared.
4. **Harris Interrogates Haspel About CIA Interrogations**
In a brief but significant clip, Harris opened with a direct yes-or-no question to Gina Haspel, Trump’s nominee for CIA director: “Do you believe that [the CIA’s] previous interrogation techniques were immoral?”
The question carried substantial political weight given concerns over Haspel’s potential involvement in endorsing harsh interrogation techniques during the George W. Bush administration. Unlike other exchanges, this one had a clear and critical point: If Haspel could not categorically reject those techniques, her suitability to lead the agency was in question.
As Haspel appeared to struggle with the question and ultimately evaded an answer, Harris promptly concluded the exchange by stating, “You’ve not answered the question, but I’m going to move on.”
5. **Harris Skewers Biden During the 2020 Democratic Primaries**
Perhaps Harris’ most memorable television moment came when she directly confronted Joe Biden—then her competitor for the 2020 Democratic nomination—over his past opposition to federally mandated busing to desegregate schools in light of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Key elements of this exchange include Harris’ powerful use of indignation to propel the discussion and engage the audience while steadfastly asserting her point. She expertly incorporated her personal history as a child during that era into a larger political critique—demonstrating the persuasive power of compelling personal narratives in both law and politics.
This encounter provided valuable new context to viewers about both Biden’s record and her own experiences growing up.
However, with the upcoming debate rules favoring a more muted discourse—where each candidate's microphone will be silenced while the other speaks—it may be challenging for Harris to create a similarly impactful moment.
6. **Harris Holds Firm Against Pence**
While not particularly remarkable overall, Harris’ one-on-one debate with then-Vice President Mike Pence featured a standout moment when she asserted, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” after he interrupted her. This phrase has since been echoed during her 2024 campaign, resonating with her supporters.
Throughout the debate, Harris used variants of this phrase to manage interruptions, showcasing its effectiveness for three reasons: it is relatable, it diminishes the other party’s presence, and it projects confidence and composure in a challenging setting.
With the vice presidential debates typically seen as lacking urgency, Harris’ ability to handle interruptions meant a draw for her at the time, marking a win for her campaign.
As Harris prepares to engage Trump, it will be fascinating to observe how she navigates the daunting challenge of this consequential public appearance.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
