Sep 6, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump campaign tells House GOP to expect “fine” debate from Harris

Juliegrace Brufke

Chris LaCivita, senior advisor to former US President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, center, speaks to members of the media at the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus following the first presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. — Chris LaCivita, senior advisor to former President Trump's campaign, center, speaks to members of the media following the first presidential debate in Atlanta onJune 27. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita told House Republican lawmakers and senior staff they're anticipating a "fine" performance from VP Harris during Tuesday's debate, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Republicans are preparing for a much different dynamic than the first debate, when President Biden's disastrous performance eventually forced him to drop out of the race. Harris has been riding a wave of enthusiasm since stepping in as the nominee.

LaCivita, on a call with the House GOPers on Friday, noted that Harris has less recent live interview or debate experience than Trump.

The big picture: When it comes to taking back the Senate, Republicans are "in the drivers seat," LaCivita said, pointing to West Virginia and Montana as key pickup opportunities.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he's confident his party can grow its majority, perhaps even to as much as 13 seats, a source on the call confirmed.
GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio predicted Republicans could overcome Democrats cash advantage and encouraged members to stick to the messaging that works in their districts.

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Trump campaign tells House GOP to expect “fine” debate from Harris

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