Harris’s strong debate performance is being attributed to Karen L. Dunn, a high-powered Washington lawyer who has trained Democratic candidates for every presidential and vice-presidential debate since 2008. Dunn, known for her ability to coach high-profile politicians, has earned a reputation for giving tough but constructive feedback, helping candidates improve both their message and delivery.
“She is described by candidates she has coached and other people who have worked with her as a skilled handler of high-ego politicians,” the New York Times reported. “By all accounts, she possesses the rare ability to tell them what they are doing wrong and how to fix it — and how to inject humor and humanity to sell themselves to voters watching the debate.”
Dunn’s expertise in debate prep has been sought after by some of the biggest names in US politics. She helped Hillary Clinton prepare for presidential debates in both 2008 and 2016, as well as assisted Barack Obama’s debate preparations in 2012. Clinton described Dunn as someone who “sweats the details” but also has the unique ability to see the bigger picture in communication, a skill Clinton likened to preparing clients for court.
Dunn also played a role in Harris’s 2020 debate preparations against then-Vice President Mike Pence and has worked with Senators Mark Warner of Virginia and Cory Booker of New Jersey. In the corporate world, Dunn has represented leading technology companies like Google, Uber, and Apple, most recently appearing for Google in an antitrust case.
A former federal prosecutor, Dunn began her career in politics on Capitol Hill, eventually working for Hillary Clinton’s Senate campaign and later attending Yale Law School. She clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer and worked in the White House Counsel’s Office during Obama’s presidency. Her career also includes a high-profile legal victory, winning a $25 million judgment against organizers of the 2017 Charlottesville rally.Dunn’s reputation for meticulous preparation and maintaining confidentiality during debate prep sessions has made her an indispensable figure in Democratic debate strategies. For instance, she was behind the suggestion that Clinton bring up Trump’s derogatory comments about a beauty pageant contestant during their 2016 debate. Her methods, which include using printed materials rather than circulating them electronically, are designed to prevent leaks and maintain focus during debate preparations.
