Critic’s Notebook: Kamala Harris Floats Like a Butterfly, Stings Like a Bee in Debate Against Donald Trump

Critic’s Notebook: Kamala Harris Floats Like a Butterfly, Stings Like a Bee in Debate Against Donald Trump

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating through virtual arenas and dueling digital adversaries, I can confidently say that the Trump-Harris debate was reminiscent of an epic multiplayer battle royale. Harris, the nimble and strategic fighter, danced around Trump’s wild attacks with grace and precision, while he, like a character stuck in an endless loop, kept repeating the same nonsensical lines over and over again.


As an avid spectator, I can’t help but feel that the historic debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris should have found a home on ESPN. The intense verbal sparring, strategic maneuvers, and unexpected twists and turns made for a riveting show, much like a high-stakes sporting event.

It was more like an exciting boxing match rather than a debate, reminiscent of the Thrilla in Manila. Clearly, one person took on the role of Muhammad Ali, while the other resembled Joe Frazier.

Indeed, Harris was dancing gracefully yet powerfully, akin to a butterfly flitting about while delivering stinging blows like a bee. Her thorough preparations for the evening seemed to have been fruitful, as she skillfully dodged and countered Trump’s aggressive punches, which were more like wild swings that nearly sent him tumbling to the ground. By the way, did you know there’s a misconception that millions of illegal immigrants are flooding into the country straight from mental health facilities? And that Venezuela has seen a decrease in its crime rate?

I’m raising these issues since Trump often does so. Whenever a question about abortion came up, he’d switch to discussing illegal immigration. The same pattern occurred when topics like Jan. 6 or the Russia/Ukraine war were brought up – he’d redirect the conversation towards illegal immigration. It seems that even when waiters at Mar-a-Lago ask for his dinner order, he might bring up illegal immigrants.

The event’s start was somewhat subdued as Trump initially showed an uncharacteristic level of self-restraint. He avoided speaking out of turn, and his frequent eye rolls gave the impression they might pop out. It appeared he was heeding advice not to react impulsively. Intriguingly, he didn’t even glance at Harris once. Not during their initial meeting, nor throughout the evening. Initially, it seemed disciplined, but as time passed, it grew increasingly unsettling.

However, Harris fixed her gaze on him intently. Indeed, she seemed to be doing little more than observing Trump while he spoke, offering responses that were often irrational. Her facial expressions ranged from amusement to disdain, yet she couldn’t seem to tear herself away. Throughout, her concentration was unwavering – a trait that, unfortunately, became strikingly apparent during the last presidential debate, emphasizing its importance in a political candidate.

Trump spoke much more than Harris during their debate, yet she appeared unfazed. After all, Trump was declaring outrageous things like “They’re eating dogs! Eating cats!” or shouting “They’re taking over the towns!” as if auditioning for a horror movie remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”.

Moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis did a commendable job, a quality that couldn’t be said for one of the debaters. They even took on the basic task we often overlook – fact-checking. For instance, when Trump asserted that Harris’ running mate Tim Walz was in favor of executing babies, Muir swiftly corrected him. And rightly so, given Walz’s gentle demeanor.

During the debate, Harris consistently prodded her opponent, timing her attacks perfectly. She flipped his popular phrases and common statements back on him, accusing him of being considered a “disgrace” by his own military leaders and making world leaders chuckle. Trump countered these accusations by mentioning Viktor Orban as an admirer, praising the Hungarian leader not sarcastically as a “strongman.” (It was almost as if he were inviting Vladimir Putin to “wait in the wings” instead.)

Donald Trump was rejected by approximately 81 million voters. It’s evident that he’s finding it extremely difficult to cope with this reality,” Harris stated, as if by magic, steam seemed to emerge from Trump’s head.

However, it was her criticism of Trump’s rallies, claiming that people left early because they were uninterested, that seemed to set him off like David Banner transforming into the Hulk. To be fair, you can express your opinions about his family members. But touch his rallies, and that’s a different story!

Trump responded with “I’m a unique individual” regarding one question, causing an eruption of laughter around the world. When Harris mentioned Project 2025, he stammered out “I haven’t reviewed it, I don’t wish to read it.” This statement might have been the most truthful thing he said that evening.

By the way, have you heard that a large number of undocumented immigrants are entering the country, not just from the borders but also allegedly from mental health facilities? And let me add, crime rates in Venezuela seem to be decreasing significantly. (I’ve been hearing this so often I find myself repeating it, which is ironic because that’s how propaganda tends to work.)

As a devoted supporter, I brought up the last election with Trump, alluding to his latest remarks that appeared to suggest his concession. “Oh, that was just a joke, you know,” Trump retorted, visibly irritated that this moderator, straight out of Hollywood, would so misconstrue my words.

Muir calmly stated that he had seen all three videos, but failed to pick up on any sarcasm in them. It could be equivalent to saying ‘Oh, my!’ or expressing surprise.

Trump occasionally spoke directly to Harris, primarily to label her as dishonest. He also said, when she interrupted, “I’m speaking now. Does that sound familiar?” implying he had memorized her line and took pride in it. At one point, he even told her to be quiet, a comment that could have been followed by an advertisement for women’s blood pressure medication.

Those dissatisfied with their subsidized healthcare might find solace in knowing that Trump proposes an alternative. However, what he actually offered was more akin to ideas for a plan rather than a concrete one – much like the course of his entire presidency, where concepts were often presented instead of fully-fledged policies.

Trump repeatedly mentioned Joe Biden during the debate, often criticizing him as though he had lost track of who his current opponent was. However, when Harris clarified that she was the one he was facing off against, Trump appeared disheartened.

The main point of contention during the debate was Trump’s reluctance to declare whether he would veto a national abortion ban or express support for Ukraine in their ongoing conflict. However, this is likely not what will capture public attention. Instead, it’s the contrast between two candidates that people are discussing – an older man who seemed fatigued and often shouted at the camera versus a younger, energetic woman who maintained her composure throughout. As the debate progressed, I found myself experiencing the enthusiasm that others have been expressing.

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2024-09-11 08:55