Harris urged to shake Trump’s hand before debate on Tuesday

During a Q&A session at the Texas Tribune Festival, Jen Psaki, MSNBC host and former White House press secretary, suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris should shake hands with former President Trump before their upcoming debate on Tuesday. This debate will mark the first in-person meeting between Harris and Trump, making the handshake a significant gesture. Psaki emphasized the importance of maintaining a cordial atmosphere, stating that viewers prefer to see civility rather than hostility during such events. Psaki acknowledged the challenges Harris may face during the debate, particularly if Trump resorts to aggressive or misleading rhetoric. She advised Harris to focus on appealing to a broad audience, including undecided voters who may not typically support Democrats. The debate is expected to attract a diverse viewership, making it crucial for Harris to present herself effectively. The tradition of pre-debate handshakes has diminished in recent years, with notable instances such as Trump and Hillary Clinton's refusal to shake hands in 2016 and Biden and Trump abstaining from the gesture in 2020 due to the pandemic. Harris and Trump now have the opportunity to revive this tradition, which could symbolize a willingness to engage respectfully despite their political differences. As the debate approaches, the stakes are high for both candidates, with the potential to influence voter perceptions ahead of the November election. Harris's approach to the debate, including whether she chooses to shake Trump's hand, could set the tone for her campaign moving forward.