“We’ve seen that they can rest him, drug him, and he can pull of some events, so it may not be a knock out.”
Almost certainly Biden and his team have the questions both candidates will be asked and Biden is rehearsing with this insider information. The questions will all be softballs designed to make Biden look presidential.
It is unlikely team Trump will receive the same courtesy from CNN. It is also probably Trump will be faced with a string of “Why are you still beating your wife” questions.
If Trump can appear thoughtful and president, logically lay out his plans, and avoid name calling and personal attacks he will win the debate and a second look by the swing voters. If he can bring some non-mean spirited humor to answers even better.
One of the best presidential debate performances of all time was the Reagan/Mondale debate. When Reagan was asked about his advanced age he quipped, “I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” People laughed and Reagan’s greatest vulnerability was immediately and completely eliminated for the rest of the campaign. If Trump can come up with a humorous response when the inevitable question comes about his felony conviction, he will completely turn the tables on Biden just as Reagan turned the tables on Mondale.
In Trump's favor, he thinks on his feet. Problem here is no audience to guide his feedback and remarks.