If Kamala Harris focuses on her future agenda and responds with ridicule, and a dash of humor, when Donald Trump predictably spews venomous personal and political attacks, she'll have the upper hand in next Tuesday's debate.
Trump has been unhinged since Harris this summer replaced President Biden as his opponent and is hell-bent to break her momentum. Expect a no-holds barred assault on the Vice President, politically, and to denigrate her personally.
He wins if he rattles her. If she keeps her cool and doesn't go for the bait, he will get more vitriolic to his detriment.
The stakes are high; 75 days after the last debate when the 81 year old Biden cratered and weeks later had to drop out of the race -- to the Republican's consternation.