Harris engages in bizarre mode of debate prep ahead of Tuesday clash with Trump

Considering the cataclysmic chain of events the last presidential debate – involving Joe Biden – had on the trajectory of the electoral battle, it is no surprise that Tuesday's clash between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is one of the most highly anticipated events of the cycle.

With the stakes for Harris viewed as extremely high, given her reputation as a poor extemporaneous speaker, her team has made the unusual decision to shut down most campaign appearances and have her participate in debate practice sessions with an aide wearing an orange wig – a seeming nod to Trump's characteristic coif, as the Daily Mail reports.

Crunch time craziness

Largely removing herself from the campaign trail in recent days, Harris has spent significant amounts of time locked away in intensive debate preparations while staying at Pittsburgh's William Penn Omni Hotel, as WTAE reported.

“Kamala knows this is her do or die moment,” an insider explained to the Mail. “You only have to look at the first debate and what happened to Joe Biden to know how high the stakes are.”

Knowing that the 90-minute tussle with Trump could be make-or-break for her Oval Office hopes, Harris is said to have been involved in mock debates two times per day, with close advisers coaching her through key policy answers.

Adding an especially strange twist to the proceedings, however, are reports that playing the role of Trump during these practice rounds is Harris adviser Phillipe Reines, who dons an orange wig to enhance his portrayal of the former president.

The hairpiece is not the only prop used by Reines, as reports suggest that he also wears three-inch platform shoes to approximate Trump's imposing 6-foot-3-inch stature.

Trump takes different approach

In contrast to Harris' play-acting with Reines, Trump has opted for a less structured mode of debate prep that does not involve mock sessions with a stand-in for his opponent.

As the Associated Press reports, Trump has instead spent recent days holding campaign events that allow him to hone his policy statements while in direct contact with the electorate.

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity last week, Trump mused, “You can go in with all the strategy you want but you have to sort of feel it out as the debate's taking place.”

Referencing the wisdom of former boxing champion Mike Tyson, the former president added, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face,” suggesting that debate night is always full of surprises for which one cannot fully prepare.

Considering that Trump is approaching Tuesday night in much the same way he did his June clash with Biden, history points to a strong likelihood that he will have a successful evening on the stage.