The upcoming presidential debates between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are generating a lot of buzz and speculation among political strategists. Despite the risks involved, both candidates have agreed to participate in two debates on nontraditional terms.
Kevin Madden, a strategist who worked on Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns, expressed surprise at the decision to hold debates this year. However, with the race expected to be close and the playing field narrow, the debates could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
Veteran political strategists from both parties weighed in on what each candidate’s goals should be during the debates. For Biden, the focus should be on conveying a choice, not a referendum, and drawing contrasts on key issues like democracy and abortion rights. On the other hand, Trump should keep voters focused on the economy, emphasizing his record and the differences between his administration and Biden’s.
Both candidates were advised on how to approach the debates strategically. Biden was cautioned not to take the bait and to stay calm and cool in his responses. Meanwhile, Trump was warned not to act like a bully and to rein in his temper, as his tendencies to rant and rage could alienate swing voters.
Ultimately, a big part of the campaigns’ task will be to work the rules of the debate to their favor. Setting the rules in advance could benefit each candidate in different ways, such as allowing more time per response for Biden or a looser structure allowing more interruptions for Trump. The format of the debate could also play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions, as illustrated by a decision from a past vice-presidential debate between Dick Cheney and John Edwards.
With so much at stake in this year’s election, the upcoming debates could prove to be a pivotal moment for both candidates. The pressure is on for Biden and Trump to make the most of this opportunity to sway undecided voters and solidify their support base.
