Politico

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris had a lot to say — but their body language said even more.

Trump and Biden did not shake hands at the beginning of their debate, and some pundits expected the candidates would again decline to shake hands tonight. But Harris wouldn’t let Trump go without greeting him with a handshake.

Trump seemed reluctant, taking his position behind his podium. But Harris marched across the stage, extended her hand and introduced herself. A handshake is more than just a greeting: It communicates politeness, civility, a basic level of respect both to the other person and, in the case of a debate, to the American people.

When Harris initiated the handshake, she embodied her message of unity over divisiveness, and demonstrated that she wasn’t afraid to take Trump on. It took him off guard. As she walked back to her side of the stage, she had a big grin on her face. She got what she wanted, and she knew it.