Former president a ‘skilled debater,’ Pennsylvania governor says

Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., cautioned hosts of ABC’s “The View” on Friday that former President Trump will prove a worthy opponent for Vice President Kamala Harris in their upcoming presidential debate.

Trump and Harris will face off in Philadelphia for the first time on Tuesday, in a debate moderated by ABC News. While Harris taking on the mantle of the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer has indeed shaken up the race, Shapiro told hosts on Friday that doesn’t change Trump’s skillset, one that even his critics should acknowledge.

“Listen, as much as we want to criticize Donald Trump — he’s a liar, he’s all these things … People know Donald Trump. He is a skilled debater. He is a guy who is willing to say anything at any time just to get through a question, and he’s a showman, he’s been on TV before,” Shapiro said. “So don’t underestimate Donald Trump.”

 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro appeared as a guest on ABC’s “The View.” (ABC)

He added further, “Now, I’ve known Kamala Harris 20 years. She is tough as nails. She’s a prosecutor. She’ll be prepared, as was said before. She’ll be ready to go. But this is going to be a tough debate.”

Earlier in the same segment, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin noted, “Kamala Harris is running a very different campaign than she did when she ran in the 2020 cycle. She’s moving to the center on a number of issues. She’s walked back previously held positions like calling for banning fracking.”

She then asked the governor, “She’s gearing up to do this must-watch debate with former President Trump on Tuesday, do you think it’s a strategic mistake that she hasn’t explained some of these positions she’s changed on more ahead of the debate… because she’s obviously going to get challenged on some of these on a debate stage?”

Shapiro responded by suggesting, “I think it’s a sign of strength when you evolve on a position,” citing his own political experience.

This combination of photos taken at campaign rallies in Atlanta shows Vice President Kamala Harris on July 30, 2024, left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on Aug. 3. (AP Photos)

Shapiro was a finalist to be Harris’ running mate but was passed over in favor of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Shapiro’s state of Pennsylvania is considered perhaps the most important battleground in the 2024 election, with 19 Electoral College votes up for grabs. The past four presidential election winners have captured the state.