In an upcoming debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, political analysts are highlighting the potential risks associated with Trump coming across as a bully, particularly due to the gender dynamics at play. Trump has previously resorted to name-calling and false attacks against Harris, raising concerns about his behavior in the upcoming face-to-face encounter.

According to Jennifer Lawless, a professor at the University of Virginia specializing in gender and politics, attacking a female candidate from a podium or in campaign ads is one thing, but the dynamic changes when the candidates are standing just eight feet away from each other. Lawless emphasized that nobody wants to witness a male candidate explicitly intimidate or bully a woman.

Gender is expected to influence how both Trump and Harris are perceived during the debate, as they represent stark contrasts not only in terms of policy but also in identity. Trump, known for his demeaning comments towards female rivals and critics in the past, could face repercussions for appearing overly aggressive. On the other hand, Harris, as a Black woman, faces the challenge of balancing toughness with the perception of likability.

Trump's demeanor has been a subject of criticism in previous debates. His prowling behind Hillary Clinton and interrupting her during the 2016 debate earned him considerable backlash. A cautionary tale from Clinton's 2000 Senate debate with Rick Lazio, who attempted to intimidate her on stage, further highlights the potential pitfalls of such behavior.

During a press call, Trump's senior adviser Jason Miller maintained that Trump would be himself during the debate and would contrast the policy records of the candidates. Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, stated that candidates should be held to the highest standards regardless of gender, emphasizing that Trump has engaged in fierce debates with opponents of both genders since 2016.

The impact of gender on the perception of Harris is complex, according to experts. Women in politics have long faced double standards, being deemed unlikable or aggressive for behavior that male politicians would face less scrutiny for. However, Harris's aggressive questioning of Supreme Court nominees during her time in the Senate has showcased her prosecutorial background and strength.

Surprisingly, an experiment that involved swapping the genders of actors re-enacting a Clinton-Trump debate revealed that some viewers who had disliked Trump's performance responded better to a female version of him. This unexpected finding challenges assumptions about gender biases in political debates.

As the debate approaches, some Republicans are concerned that Trump's inclination towards personal attacks could backfire. Trump has reportedly expressed a desire to avoid excessive aggression after receiving negative feedback for his interruptions during the 2020 debate with Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Harris allies hope that Trump's behavior on stage will be unflattering, pointing to his past responses to challenges and particularly his treatment of Black women.

The upcoming debate presents Harris with an opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes and rewrite the expectations placed on women in politics. Supporters believe that she can redefine the standards and showcase the capabilities of women in leadership roles.

Overall, the gender dynamics and the risk of bullying in the Trump-Harris debate have become prominent issues in the lead-up to the event. Observers will be closely watching the candidates' behavior and assessing the impact it may have on voters with different backgrounds and values.

(Unused information: The article also mentions upcoming presidential polls and the selection of running mates for Harris and Trump.