Shapiro calls Trump ‘skilled debater,’ Harris ‘tough as nails’

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) weighed in ahead of next week’s presidential debate, saying former President Trump is a “skilled debater,” but Vice President Harris is “tough as nails.”

Shapiro joined “The View” on Friday, where he was asked by former Trump White House communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin if it was a mistake for Harris not to explain to voters why her policy stance on issues has changed since her last campaign.

“She’s obviously going to get challenged on some of these on a debate stage,” Farah Griffin said.

Shapiro, who was a finalist to be Harris’s running mate, said he sees it as a “sign of strength” when people evolve and change their opinion on various issues.

“As for the debate, listen, as much as we want to criticize Donald Trump, he’s a liar, he’s all these things, I think you said it before, people know Donald Trump,” Shapiro said. “He is a skilled debater. He is a guy who is willing to say anything at anytime just to get through a question, and he’s a showman. He’s been on TV before, so don’t underestimate Donald Trump.”

While Trump may exceed expectations on the debate stage Tuesday, Harris may do so, too, Shapiro argued.

“I’ve known Kamala Harris 20 years. She is tough as nails,” he said. “She’s a prosecutor. She’ll be prepared, as was said before, she’ll be ready to go.”

“This is going to be a tough debate,” Shapiro admitted.

The highly anticipated debate between Harris and Trump is set to take place in Shapiro’s home state at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania is a key battleground state that is likely to bring Harris or Trump over the finish line of this election.

Harris is hunkering down in western Pennsylvania for nearly a week as she prepares for the debate. The decision may be intended to cultivate a positive atmosphere in the crucial swing state.

As of Friday, the presidential race is as close as it can get. Harris and Trump are locked in a statistical dead heat, with seven states being fought over by the campaigns. It makes the stakes for Tuesday’s debate even higher.