Kamala Harris Warned Against Ignoring Trump in Debate Amidst His 'Persistent' Attacks

CNN anchor Abby Phillip cautioned Vice President Harris that she cannot afford to disregard former President Trump's criticisms during their upcoming debate, despite her refusal to engage with them in a recent interview.

CNN host Abby Phillip has issued a stern warning to Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring former President Donald Trump's attacks during their upcoming debate. This cautionary advice stems from Harris's previous refusal to respond to Trump's criticisms in a recent interview with CNN.

Phillip, during a discussion on Thursday night about Harris's ability to brush off Trump's insults while sharing the debate stage with him, asserted: "Let's not be mistaken, Donald Trump is tall and very loud, and he's very persistent."

Kamala Harris Warned Against Ignoring Trump in Debate Amidst His 'Persistent' Attacks

Harris had previously declined to comment on Trump's remarks at the National Association of Black Journalists regarding her presentation of her racial identity, dismissing them as "the same old tired playbook" during an interview with CNN's Dana Bash.

However, Phillip expressed skepticism that Harris's previous approach would suffice in the face-to-face debate: "It's not going to be so easy to just say, ‘OK, let’s move on.' He's going to be right there on stage."

Kamala Harris Warned Against Ignoring Trump in Debate Amidst His 'Persistent' Attacks

CNN political commentators on Phillip's panel were divided on how Harris should handle Trump's inevitable attacks during the debate. Former National Coalitions Director for Biden-Harris 2020 Ashley Allison advised ignoring Trump's comments: "Let him look like the bully. Let him throw out red meat and you rise above the occasion."

In contrast, CNN analyst David Axelrod commended Harris's decision in the CNN interview, believing it effectively highlighted Trump's unpresidential behavior and presented Harris as focused on the issues.

Kamala Harris Warned Against Ignoring Trump in Debate Amidst His 'Persistent' Attacks

Neither the Harris nor Trump campaigns have commented on this matter to Fox News Digital at this time.

The highly anticipated debate between Harris and Trump is scheduled for September 10th, and it remains to be seen how Harris will navigate Trump's relentless attacks while maintaining her composure and staying on message.