From Biden to Gabbard, here's what Harris' past debates show before a faceoff with Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, smiles as she greets the crowd at a campaign event in downtown Atlanta.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, greets the crowd at a campaign event in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Vice President Kamala Harris has repeatedly taunted her opponent’s seeming reluctance to debate, telling a series of raucous audiences about Donald Trump’s criticisms of her: “As the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face.”

After first backing out of an agreement, Trump reversed himself and said he’d meet Harris on Sept. 10 for an event hosted by ABC. That sets up a long-anticipated faceoff between the Democratic and Republican nominees — and, indeed, the chance for both of them to deliver their attack lines directly at one another.

Sharing a stage with Trump presents a critical chance for Harris to define herself and her opponent in a truncated campaign, with many open questions about her policy positions. But it also sets up a major test — one that President Joe Biden failed badly enough that he ended his campaign and made way for her.