Trump-Harris debate sums up policy-light US election

We learned little new from both sides on policy, a theme in a campaign that has been focused largely on character.

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It started with her opening power move, when she strode across the compact stage in Philadelphia to demand a handshake. This was her seizing the initiative, and a telling sign that America’s surprise presidential candidate was keen to exert control on an opponent who has a track record of dominating these kind of stages.

In the hours since this blockbuster showdown, political pundits and networks have dedicated much time to praising and analysing Harris’s approach. Her poking and her prodding of Trump. Her mocking, derisory laughter as she ribbed him with personal attacks and then watched as he lost his cool and pushed back angrily.

The scale and tone of this coverage is largely due to the fact her strategy was successful. The few instant polls we saw after the debate indicated a resounding victory for Harris. And while the history of US elections shows this does not always translate to a victory in November, it was surprising to see Harris take on Trump in this aggressive way.

But, however successful this approach was, it is ultimately surface-level stuff. It is body language and facial expressions and sharp ripostes.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylwy33ewxo

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