Debate Showdown: Harris and Trump

Here's how to talk to your neighbors and family about tonight's debate. And how to take action to make a difference in this race.

Tonight, Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the very first time in a presidential debate. This is a moment we've been waiting for—a chance for the American people to see, in primetime, the stark difference between two candidates with very different visions for the future of our country. We can use tonight’s debate as a launching point to talk to our friends, families, and neighbors.

For anyone who’s on the fence about this election, it’s essential to understand the stakes: Trump’s second term would be far more dangerous than his first, not just because of who he is, but because of his detailed plan to consolidate power from day one.

Talking to Your Neighbors and Family

This will be Trump’s seventh general election debate—the most of any candidate in modern history. He’s practiced, prepared, and polished his act. His team has even insisted on muted microphones to keep him as disciplined as possible. 

We know what to expect: a showman performance from a candidate who will distort the truth and push a backward-looking agenda that serves himself.

If Harris delivers a strong, thoughtful performance—as we expect—point to her ability to stay calm under pressure and articulate her vision clearly. If the debate becomes chaotic, you can say, “Look at how Kamala handled herself tonight. She stayed focused on the issues, while others tried to distract or deflect.”

Remember, many people will be watching for “who won” or “who lost” the debate, but you can use the opportunity to talk about what really matters: substance over spectacle.

Acknowledge Trump’s Past, but Look to the Future

Many of your friends or neighbors might be strong Trump supporters. Rather than debating every issue from the past, keep the conversation focused on the future. What kind of leadership do we need moving forward? Acknowledge what people appreciated about Trump’s policies if that comes up, but ask them to consider what’s at stake for our future if we continue down the path of division.

For example, you can say, “I understand that Trump shook things up, but right now we need a leader who can bring us back together, not pull us further apart. Kamala Harris has the experience and temperament to unite this country at a time when we desperately need it.”

Trump’s Extreme Agenda: A Threat to Democracy

Donald Trump is not just a convicted felon running for president again—he’s running with an agenda that would give him the ability to rule like a dictator. Project 2025 isn’t some vague policy proposal; it’s a detailed plan to gut our democratic institutions, dismantle key rights, and concentrate power in Trump’s hands.

Here’s what it includes:

1. Eliminating the independence of the Department of Justice – Trump wants total control of the DOJ, removing any checks on his legal power. That means Trump could pursue political vendettas, silence dissent, and manipulate the justice system for his own gain.

2. Banning abortion nationwide – Trump’s war on reproductive rights goes even further this time. Not only would he ban abortion across the country, but he’d also restrict access to contraception, IVF, and even require states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions. This is an extreme assault on bodily autonomy and women’s rights.

3. Putting Social Security and Medicare at risk – Trump’s Project 2025 would put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, programs that millions of Americans depend on for their retirement and healthcare. He also aims to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, taking healthcare away from millions of people.

4. Gutting the Department of Education – Trump plans to slash funding for K-12 education and effectively dismantle the Department of Education. This would leave our public schools severely underfunded and limit access to quality education for children across the country.

5. Tax breaks for billionaires, higher costs for families – Project 2025 would give massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations while imposing a Trump sales tax on everyday items like gas, food, clothing, and medicine. This would increase the cost of living for working families by $4,000 a year.

Project 2025 would make his authoritarian instincts a reality, transforming America into a country where political loyalty matters more than the rule of law and where basic rights are under constant attack. Even those who worked closest with Trump have warned against giving him a second term because this time, he has a plan—and he’s prepared to carry it out.

Join Us Tonight for the National (Virtual) Debate Watch Party

We know how important this debate is, which is why we’re inviting you to join us tonight for our National (Virtual) Debate Watch Party with Republicans for Harris! This is an opportunity to watch the debate alongside a community of like-minded voters and to take action together throughout the event. We'll have a live chat going during the debate, giving you the chance to engage, discuss, and react in real-time.

We'll also be kicking off our first-ever Republicans for Harris phone bank this Friday. This is an incredibly impactful way for you to volunteer, and we need everyone on board to make sure our message reaches voters in key battleground states. The margins will be razor-thin, just like in 2020, when only about 40,000 votes decided the outcome in key states. Your efforts could make the difference in this election.

Your Voice Matters, Democracy Matters

In the end, we’re not just choosing between two candidates tonight; we’re choosing the kind of country we want to live in. Kamala Harris represents the future—a future that values democracy, respects the rule of law, and works for everyone, not just a select few. When you talk to your friends, neighbors, and family, remind them that this election is about preserving our democratic traditions and ensuring that our country remains a beacon of hope and opportunity.

So, as you settle in to watch the debate, know that you’re part of a growing community of Republicans who are ready to step up, have hard conversations, and make the case for Kamala Harris in 2024. Your voice matters—use it with confidence.

We’ve seen the damage Trump can do. Let’s make sure we don’t go back.