Battle of minds: How Trump and Harris’s psychological tactics will shape tonight's debate showdown

The future of the world, as it might unfold in 2025, could start taking shape tonight as former US president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris face off in a highly anticipated 90-minute televised debate hosted by ABC News. This debate, taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—often affectionately known as Philly—has the potential to influence global dynamics. While the fate of the world is not solely determined by the United States, its impact is significant and how these two prominent figures prepare for and execute their debate strategies will offer critical insights into their future trajectories.

As these candidates prepare for their encounter, it is fascinating to consider the mental dynamics and psychological strategies they might employ. How are they preparing to leverage their psychological status? What hidden tactics might they use? And how will their mental strategies reflect broader theories of consciousness as they attempt to outmanoeuvre each other?

Understanding the psychology of debate

Firstpost consulted senior consultant psychiatrist Dr Anshu Kulkarni to explore the psychological aspects of debates focussing on how they impact the mental and emotional states of both debaters and their audience. The discussion examined argument perception, stress management and persuasive techniques, especially in the context of the high-stakes anticipation surrounding the Trump-Harris debate.

Here’s a breakdown of the key psychological elements at play:

1. Cognitive dissonance

Donald Trump: As a 2024 presidential candidate, Trump’s approach remains deeply polarising. His campaign will continue to challenge established political norms particularly around issues like immigration, trade and nationalism. His ability to create cognitive dissonance by presenting simplified, emotionally charged solutions to complex problems will again push both his supporters and critics to either double down on their beliefs or rethink their positions.

Kamala Harris: Whether running as vice president or stepping into the presidential race herself, Harris will focus on confronting the contradictions of Trump’s policies. Her campaign will likely emphasise fact-based rebuttals to Trump’s claims, especially on matters like healthcare and civil rights. Harris will aim to reconcile cognitive dissonance by aligning progressive policies with a message of fairness and justice.

2. Emotional regulation

Donald Trump: Trump’s emotional intensity will continue to be a key part of his appeal in 2024. His ability to energise crowds through high emotional engagement and bold statements will likely be a central feature of his debates, just as it was in past elections. This plays into his strategy of being perceived as an outsider willing to disrupt the status quo.

Dr Kulkarni explained how Trump’s brash tone influences audience perception. “When one speaks brashly, the tone of the speech is probably absorbed first, followed by the content, right? If someone speaks in a rash tone, the listener might first appreciate the tone before the content, which impacts how the message is received.” Trump’s audience tends to focus on his emotional delivery, which builds strong engagement.

Kamala Harris: Harris, on the other hand, will maintain her composed and disciplined demeanor, which could serve as a contrast to Trump’s more volatile style.

Dr Kulkarni noted that “if someone speaks softly, with conviction, in a neutral emotional tone and in a crisp manner, it tends to have a better impact.” As a presidential candidate, she will likely rely on her ability to remain calm under pressure to appeal to voters who are looking for stability and rational leadership amid chaos.

3. Confirmation bias

Donald Trump: Trump’s 2024 campaign will continue to target the confirmation bias of his base, reinforcing themes like economic nationalism, law and order and scepticism of mainstream media. His supporters are likely to interpret his arguments in debates in ways that confirm their existing beliefs about the “establishment” and Trump’s role as a disruptor.

Kamala Harris: Harris will attempt to challenge the confirmation bias not only of Trump’s base but also among moderates who may be sceptical of progressive policies. She will aim to present a more nuanced and pragmatic version of Democratic policies, particularly on issues like healthcare reform, climate change and social justice.

4. Persuasion techniques

Donald Trump: In 2024, Trump’s ethos is built on his identity as a former president, emphasising his past administration’s successes such as tax reforms and foreign policy moves. His pathos will continue to stir emotions on contentious topics like immigration and the economy, while his logos may be less focussed on detailed policy arguments and more on narratives of success and national pride.

Kamala Harris: Whether as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, Harris’s logos will be central to her debates, drawing on her background in law to offer clear, evidence-based arguments. Her ethos as vice president will give her authority on key issues, while she’ll strategically use pathos when discussing topics like social justice and healthcare, making emotional connections with voters.

“Kamala Harris is a trained public prosecutor. She knows how to talk, how to grasp and process information, how to use her body language, and how to speak with conviction,” Dr Kulkarni said.

5. Priming and framing

Donald Trump: As the 2024 election unfolds, Trump will prime voters by doubling down on key slogans like “Make America Great Again” or “America First,” framing debates around his outsider status and anti-establishment narrative. His framing of topics will likely be aggressive, painting the Biden-Harris administration as ineffective and corrupt.

Kamala Harris: Harris will frame her candidacy around the accomplishments of the Biden administration. She will likely prime voters to see her as the face of progress and inclusivity, framing herself as the candidate of the future, while contrasting her policies with Trump’s.

6. Body language and non-verbal cues

Donald Trump: In the 2024 debates, Trump’s body language will remain assertive, likely continuing his use of aggressive gestures and dominant postures. His presence will be designed to project strength and certainty, appealing to voters who prioritise strong leadership.

Kamala Harris: Harris will use more restrained and calculated body language continuing to emphasise composure and authority.

“She also sounds like a listener herself—she listens, absorbs the information and then speaks,” Dr Kulkarni said.

In past debates, her non-verbal cues—such as steady eye contact and controlled gestures—helped her convey confidence without appearing confrontational, which she will likely replicate in the upcoming election.

7. Audience psychology

Donald Trump: Trump’s rallies and debates will likely draw heavily on the crowd effect with his ability to energise supporters through slogans and direct, emotionally charged language. His approach will seek to solidify his base’s loyalty while attempting to sway undecided voters through moments of heightened crowd reaction.

Kamala Harris: Harris will engage the audience differently. Her approach in 2024 focusses on persuasion through logical appeal, aiming to connect with undecided or moderate voters who may feel fatigued by Trump’s rhetoric. She’ll prioritise appearing relatable and composed, especially to those looking for a more stable political climate.

“Good oration involves more than just words—it’s about how they engage with the audience, the tone they use, their body language, and how well their message resonates with the larger masses,” added Dr Kulkarni.

8. Fallacies and rhetorical tricks

Donald Trump: Trump’s 2024 campaign debates are likely to see continued use of ad hominem attacks, where he discredits opponents by focussing on personal flaws or mischaracterisations rather than policy differences. These tactics resonate with his base by reinforcing a sense of conflict and opposition to the “establishment.”

Kamala Harris: Harris will likely counter Trump’s rhetorical tricks by avoiding personal attacks and focusing on policy. However, she may use strawman arguments strategically, simplifying Trump’s positions in ways that highlight their weaknesses, particularly around controversial issues like healthcare and social justice.

9. Stress and cognitive load

Donald Trump: As a candidate in 2024, Trump’s debates may reflect a mix of confidence and moments where he struggles with cognitive load, especially when pressed on detailed policy issues. However, his base tends to forgive these moments, focussing instead on his broader message of national renewal.

Kamala Harris: Harris will likely handle cognitive load with her usual methodical approach, using structured arguments and clear responses to keep control in debates. Her legal background will allow her to think quickly on her feet, particularly when handling complex topics such as immigration reform and criminal justice.

10. Role of confidence and authority

Donald Trump: In 2024, Trump’s confidence will be a major factor in his appeal. As a former president, he will draw on his past authority to convince voters that he is the right choice to restore what he calls “American greatness.” His unwavering certainty in his own leadership will resonate with voters looking for strong, decisive action.

Kamala Harris: Harris will emphasise her confidence through a combination of authority from her vice-presidential role and her policy knowledge. She will likely project a quieter, more composed confidence, appealing to voters who value thoughtful, inclusive leadership over bombast.

With their status as 2024 presidential candidates, both Trump and Harris will use different psychological tactics to not only sway voters during debates but also to shape their broader campaigns and narratives. Their contrasting styles—Trump’s brash, emotionally charged rhetoric versus Harris’s calculated, composed responses—will define how voters perceive their respective abilities to lead.