I think Trump is going to snort enough of whatever he snorts that he shows up energized. What he says will be rambling nonsense, as it always is, but he’ll say it confidently. The story on the Trump side will be that he exceeded expectations, and that he’s going to gain momentum again.
Harris is more of an X factor, but the buildup to the debate (felon vs. prosecutor) means that she has to win decisively in the eyes of both the left and the middle just to meet expectations. I hope she somehow exceeds them or has a few moments that steal the show, but it’s more likely that Trump being able to speak semi-coherently will be the top story regardless of anything Harris does.
I hope I’m wrong.
Harris should push a committal answer on Trump on a government shutdown. Will he support a compromise bill from the Speaker to avoid a shutdown? Point out how he killed the bipartisan immigration bill and ask if he’s going to do it again.