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Experts Handicap the Trump-Biden Debate
WSJ ^ | June 19, 2024 4:50 pm ET | Karl Rove

Posted on 06/19/2024 6:30:46 PM PDT by conservative98

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will enter CNN’s Atlanta studio next Thursday for the most important 90 minutes of this election season. What they say, the impressions they leave, their confrontations, mistakes and humanizing moments could determine who wins in November.

[cut]

To understand what each camp faces, I talked with five Republicans and three Democrats who have helped presidential candidates with debates, from role-playing opponents and critiquing prep sessions to spinning the press after the studio lights were cut.

Everyone agreed that both candidates face tests of self-awareness and impulse control. Mr. Biden must demonstrate sustained mental acuity. He can’t freeze, stare blankly or sound befuddled. Mr. Trump can’t come off as unhinged or enraged. The words “rigged election” shouldn’t pass his lips. He has to keep his cool and can’t make it all about himself.

[cut]

The experts I interviewed agreed that Mr. Trump should make the election a referendum on Mr. Biden’s four years while Mr. Biden should make it a choice between the stability he’ll provide and Mr. Trump’s chaos.

Mr. Trump has the easier task of validating the public’s feelings of discontent. He can hammer the cost of living, the border crisis and the decline of public safety in many American cities. Voters already think Mr. Trump is better at handling these issues. The former president should spend as much time on what he’ll do in his second term as on Mr. Biden’s failings.

Experts cautioned that Mr. Trump shouldn’t overhype issues, such as by blaming Mr. Biden for Americans getting killed by illegal migrants, an argument that can easily be turned back against him. All it takes is one such victim on Mr. Trump’s watch for Mr. Biden to flip the issue on him and muddy the waters.

(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: biden; debates; january6; karlrove; stayoutdabushes; trump
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To: conservative98
Mr. Biden must demonstrate sustained mental acuity. He can’t freeze, stare blankly or sound befuddled.

He will, and the Left won't care.

81 posted on 06/20/2024 5:07:48 AM PDT by jeffc (Resident of the free State of Florida)
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To: Nervous Tick
I’m going to take a positive outlook for Trump on the debate. Biden will be SO BAD that no matter WHAT the CNN moderators do to help him, it will be a disaster.

I’m probably going to be wrong, but who knows?……

82 posted on 06/20/2024 6:07:57 AM PDT by telescope115 (I NEED MY SPACE!!! 🔭)
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To: conservative98

Have they declared Joe the winner?


83 posted on 06/20/2024 6:09:22 AM PDT by bray (It's not racist to be racist against races you do not like.)
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To: MinorityRepublican

Yes, but I’ll give him the edge, when it comes to having a plan and sticking to it. He’s still pretty sharp.
Joe, can’t remember whether he walked to work, or brought his lunch.
Trump should be able to deflect a jab, and throw 10 in rapid succession.


84 posted on 06/20/2024 8:58:06 AM PDT by Fireone (Who killed Obama's chef?)
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To: conservative98

I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT BIDEN’S EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS/UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ARE TRUTHFUL.

25 MILLION MORE PEOPLE ARE WORKING NOW?

COVID HAD A HUGE LOCKDOWN.

FAUCI CAUSED THAT.


85 posted on 06/20/2024 10:24:02 AM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: Leaning Right

MANY VOTERS CANNOT GET EITHER CNN OR S-SPAN


86 posted on 06/20/2024 10:25:22 AM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: madison10

CANNOT WATCH IT-—ONLY ON PAY TV.


87 posted on 06/20/2024 10:26:52 AM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: mbrfl

I WISH EVERY PERSON IN CONGRESS/FBI/DOJ WERE AS ‘UNHINGED” as TRUMP.


88 posted on 06/20/2024 10:29:25 AM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: AnotherUnixGeek

“Republicans never learn.”

*************

The Stupid Party is a well earned moniker.


89 posted on 06/20/2024 10:30:40 AM PDT by Starboard
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To: conservative98
I talked with five Republicans and three Democrats who have helped presidential candidates with debates

That's problem number 1,2 and 3. These typical "preppers" are terrible. Trump needs to change things up, be prepared to use unconventional methods to highlight Biden's lack of ability to think on his feet.

90 posted on 06/20/2024 10:31:29 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: dragnet2

As Rush would say:
“Low information voters”


91 posted on 06/20/2024 8:32:19 PM PDT by RedMonqey (This is no longer America but "Amerika"!)
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To: conservative98

Fewer Americans were working at the end of Trump’s term because of COVID-19 restrictions and scare tactics.


92 posted on 06/24/2024 4:07:45 PM PDT by july4thfreedomfoundation (Disband and Defund the putrid FBI. America does not need an out of control Gestapo)
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