The Global Stage Witnesses Kamala Harris in its Most Prominent Role
The Democratic presidential nominee skillfully addressed challenging policy inquiries while countering a determined Donald Trump.
TroibNews 
If Donald Trump aimed to portray Kamala Harris as an ineffective leader during last Tuesday's debate, he did not succeed.
Harris effectively managed to maintain her poise while discussing complex issues that present challenges for anyone in the Biden administration, including the tumultuous U.S. military exit from Afghanistan and the controversial conflict between Israel and Hamas. On the latter issue, she emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, showcasing her support for Palestinians while affirming her commitment to defending Israel.
Observers from abroad who tuned into the debate in Philadelphia had low expectations for detailed policy reveal from either participant. However, many I talked to were keen on assessing whether Harris could withstand Trump, known for his confrontational style, particularly towards women, and for unsettling his adversaries.
Before the debate, some of Trump's detractors suggested that he mirrored the type of autocrats Harris might have to deal with as president, such as Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping.
As the debate concluded, a number of foreign dignitaries from allied and neutral nations expressed increased confidence in Harris's capabilities to manage challenging personalities, should she assume a significant global leadership role.
"Composed, authoritative, and presidential," enthused one European diplomat.
"She even managed to laugh at him," admired a senior European official.
Harris's adept handling of Trump boosted confidence in her ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, which are critical in international relations.
Although Harris is somewhat less familiar to global officials compared to President Joe Biden or Trump, by the end of the debate these officials were more assured of her distinct stance, though they remained curious about her specific policy positions.
Key international topics discussed were conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, including the tumultuous 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Both Trump and Harris accused each other of being "weak" on these issues.
However, Trump's statements tended to be more overstated. He claimed that Israel would be obliterated within two years under a Harris presidency and boasted that he could resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine even before officially assuming office. Trump also conflated immigration with foreign policy in his criticisms of Harris.
Trump evaded a direct answer when questioned about his desire for Ukraine to triumph over Russia, merely stating, "I want the war to stop," a response likely to fuel further speculation about his sympathies towards Russia and Putin.
Harris, on the other hand, appeared thoroughly prepared for both the moderator's inquiries and Trump's attacks.
During the discussion on Afghanistan, Harris staunchly defended the decision to withdraw while critiquing Trump for his failed peace deal with the Taliban.
Regarding Israel and the Palestinians, Harris reiterated that Hamas initiated the recent hostilities and affirmed her support for Israel’s defense capabilities, without indicating a halt in military aid to Israel. Moreover, she advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza and referenced the "two-state solution," signaling her commitment to this policy amidst frustration from certain voter groups over Biden’s handling of the conflict.
Trump at times directed his criticisms towards Biden, labeling him "weak, pathetic" and suggesting he resented Harris for succeeding him as the Democratic nominee.
"You’re not running against Joe Biden. You’re running against me," Harris reminded him at one point.
Trump's tactics and assertions left no surprise for foreign officials familiar with his unpredictable nature and his contentious relationships with U.S. allies, as evidenced by threats of new tariffs.
Some noted Harris's skill in provoking Trump with mentions of his past rallies and university—“DT took the bite every time,” noted the senior European official.
However, dealing with leaders like Putin might not compare to handling Trump. "I think people have a sense Putin is a cooler and scarier customer," mentioned a Latin American official.
Harris's debate performance somewhat echoed a moment from the 2008 presidential debates where Barack Obama, against John McCain, asserted his resolve against Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, highlighting his presidential capabilities in crisis situations.
Harris similarly made a compelling case on Tuesday that she is equipped to deal with global challenges.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Harris effectively managed to maintain her poise while discussing complex issues that present challenges for anyone in the Biden administration, including the tumultuous U.S. military exit from Afghanistan and the controversial conflict between Israel and Hamas. On the latter issue, she emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, showcasing her support for Palestinians while affirming her commitment to defending Israel.
Observers from abroad who tuned into the debate in Philadelphia had low expectations for detailed policy reveal from either participant. However, many I talked to were keen on assessing whether Harris could withstand Trump, known for his confrontational style, particularly towards women, and for unsettling his adversaries.
Before the debate, some of Trump's detractors suggested that he mirrored the type of autocrats Harris might have to deal with as president, such as Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping.
As the debate concluded, a number of foreign dignitaries from allied and neutral nations expressed increased confidence in Harris's capabilities to manage challenging personalities, should she assume a significant global leadership role.
"Composed, authoritative, and presidential," enthused one European diplomat.
"She even managed to laugh at him," admired a senior European official.
Harris's adept handling of Trump boosted confidence in her ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, which are critical in international relations.
Although Harris is somewhat less familiar to global officials compared to President Joe Biden or Trump, by the end of the debate these officials were more assured of her distinct stance, though they remained curious about her specific policy positions.
Key international topics discussed were conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, including the tumultuous 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Both Trump and Harris accused each other of being "weak" on these issues.
However, Trump's statements tended to be more overstated. He claimed that Israel would be obliterated within two years under a Harris presidency and boasted that he could resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine even before officially assuming office. Trump also conflated immigration with foreign policy in his criticisms of Harris.
Trump evaded a direct answer when questioned about his desire for Ukraine to triumph over Russia, merely stating, "I want the war to stop," a response likely to fuel further speculation about his sympathies towards Russia and Putin.
Harris, on the other hand, appeared thoroughly prepared for both the moderator's inquiries and Trump's attacks.
During the discussion on Afghanistan, Harris staunchly defended the decision to withdraw while critiquing Trump for his failed peace deal with the Taliban.
Regarding Israel and the Palestinians, Harris reiterated that Hamas initiated the recent hostilities and affirmed her support for Israel’s defense capabilities, without indicating a halt in military aid to Israel. Moreover, she advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza and referenced the "two-state solution," signaling her commitment to this policy amidst frustration from certain voter groups over Biden’s handling of the conflict.
Trump at times directed his criticisms towards Biden, labeling him "weak, pathetic" and suggesting he resented Harris for succeeding him as the Democratic nominee.
"You’re not running against Joe Biden. You’re running against me," Harris reminded him at one point.
Trump's tactics and assertions left no surprise for foreign officials familiar with his unpredictable nature and his contentious relationships with U.S. allies, as evidenced by threats of new tariffs.
Some noted Harris's skill in provoking Trump with mentions of his past rallies and university—“DT took the bite every time,” noted the senior European official.
However, dealing with leaders like Putin might not compare to handling Trump. "I think people have a sense Putin is a cooler and scarier customer," mentioned a Latin American official.
Harris's debate performance somewhat echoed a moment from the 2008 presidential debates where Barack Obama, against John McCain, asserted his resolve against Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, highlighting his presidential capabilities in crisis situations.
Harris similarly made a compelling case on Tuesday that she is equipped to deal with global challenges.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
