Gov. Shapiro Cautions Against Underestimating Trump in Upcoming Debate

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro warns co-hosts of "The View" that former President Trump's debating skills should not be underestimated, despite his critics.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has cautioned hosts of ABC's "The View" that former President Donald Trump poses a formidable challenge to Vice President Kamala Harris in their upcoming presidential debate.

Shapiro, a Democrat, praised Harris's qualifications as a prosecutor and her toughness, but emphasized that Trump possesses a unique set of debating skills that should not be underestimated.

Gov. Shapiro Cautions Against Underestimating Trump in Upcoming Debate

"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."

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin noted that Harris has adopted a more moderate stance on several issues compared to her 2020 presidential campaign, and questioned whether it was a strategic mistake not to address these changes more explicitly before the debate.

Gov. Shapiro Cautions Against Underestimating Trump in Upcoming Debate

Shapiro responded by suggesting that evolving on a position can be a sign of strength, citing his own political experience.

The upcoming debate is expected to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential election, with both Trump and Harris seeking to gain the upper hand in the highly contested battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Gov. Shapiro Cautions Against Underestimating Trump in Upcoming Debate

Shapiro, who was a finalist to be Harris's running mate in 2020, acknowledged the importance of Pennsylvania's 19 Electoral College votes and the state's history as a key indicator of presidential election outcomes.

He emphasized the importance of voters being informed and engaged in the election process, regardless of their political affiliation.

"This is going to be a tough debate. I think it's important for us to be prepared to have a conversation about the future of our democracy," Shapiro said. "We need to make sure that we're talking about the issues that matter to people."

The debate between Trump and Harris will be moderated by ABC News and is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on Tuesday. It is expected to be one of the most closely watched political events of the 2024 election cycle.