Democratic strategist Amanda Loveday, an adviser to the pro-Biden political action committee Unite the Country, highlighted the debate as a chance for voters to compare the candidates directly. “People forget the way [Trump] interacts, the way he communicates,” Loveday said, emphasizing the potential for Biden to reestablish the narrative around Trump’s presidency.
Inside Biden's camp, the strategy centers on letting "Trump be Trump," expecting that his characteristic behavior will expose perceived extreme tendencies. Biden aims to cast Trump as fixated on revenge and retribution, drawing connections to the January 6 Capitol attack. The debate is anticipated to provide a platform for Biden to contrast his vision for the country with Trump’s.
Preparations for the debate are underway, with Biden expected to dedicate a significant period to rigorous prep sessions, potentially at Camp David. Trump’s team continues to paint Biden as a faltering leader, incapable of independent thought or action, and has pushed narratives questioning Biden’s mental acuity.
The debate, described by GOP pollster Frank Luntz as “the most important since JFK-Richard Nixon in 1960,” offers a critical opportunity for voters to assess the candidates side by side. Luntz noted, “We all get a chance to see whether Joe Biden is as feeble as Trump says he is. We all get a chance to see whether Donald Trump is as unhinged as Joe Biden says he is.”
The upcoming debate follows a prolonged period where Biden’s accomplishments, such as economic policies, infrastructure advancements, and actions on reproductive rights, have struggled to shift public opinion. Polls indicate waning support for Biden, even among key demographics, with many attributing a stronger economic leadership to Trump—a perspective Democrats argue is influenced by short memories.
In an interview with ABC News, Biden outlined his debate goals: “Say what I think. Let him say what he thinks… Remind people what he says and what I believe and what he believes.” This approach aims to highlight the contrasts in their visions and policies directly to the electorate.
Democrats recall the 2020 Cleveland debate, where Trump’s aggressive tactics backfired, providing Biden an edge. Trump’s campaign, however, continues to emphasize Biden’s perceived weaknesses, reiterating unfounded claims about Biden’s mental and physical fitness.
Ultimately, the debate represents a crucial moment for both candidates. For Biden, it is an opportunity to reclaim the narrative and demonstrate leadership. For Trump, it is a chance to maintain his perceived advantages. As Media Matters president Angelo Carusone noted, the debate allows the public to see the unfiltered reality of both candidates, potentially reshaping their perceptions ahead of the election.
