This Debate Could Decide Our Future
Most presidential debates are of little consequence. But this June 27 confrontation could flip this race on its head and determine the future of the country.
Pundits and Trump supporters have set expectations low for their candidate. Joe Biden shouldn’t take their bait.
Expect Trump to launch repeated attacks on Biden’s record and character. He’ll characterize the economy as disastrous and repeat the usual Republican lies about the Biden “crime family” and sneer at Joe’s age and competence. Look for harsh criticism of our sloppy exit from Afghanistan, the handling of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the deteriorating relationships with Russia, China, and North Korea. He’ll brag about his record and how he, and only he, can solve our problems.
He may get personal. Don’t be surprised if he accuses Joe of being “jacked-up,” maybe of getting drugs from his son Hunter. There may well be references to crime and corruption, Ukraine and China, even plagiarism and plots to destroy America.
Joe has to focus on the facts. He has to remind the public that Trump presided over a failed economy, the biggest health crisis in American history, urban unrest, attacks on the environment, on our judicial system, a massive spike in crime, and a coup against the very government he wants to lead. He has to remind the public of the irrefutable facts that he’s led America’s comeback and is proud of the country’s greatness.
Biden should be able to deflect the attacks, ideally with contempt for his opponent. The question is whether he can deftly pivot to the positive prospects should he win a second term. Repeating his administration’s record of accomplishment isn’t enough to sway swing voters who’ve been inundated with negative news for three years. He’s got to promise them much, much better.
Biden should also expect the unexpected: Trump is likely to spring one more surprises during his time on stage, perhaps including a major policy announcement: a vice-presidential nomination, perhaps, a policy of rapprochement in the Middle East, or a fantastic new approach to revitalize the American economy. Expect lies, in the form of attacks on the Biden crime family, the “disastrous” economy, Ukraine, Israel, shark attacks and killer batteries in the water.
They’ll be in the form of non sequiturs and should be easily dismissible, but Biden’s best approach would be to trump any Trump surprises with surprises of his own. Legalization of marijuana could throw Trump, as could a major announcement of progress toward an end of the war in Gaza. This would be a great time to announce a major new proposal to bring down the cost of housing or secure the southern U.S. border.
If Biden can stay solid and focused on the concerns of the American people, he’ll reassure the American people that they’re in good hands. If he can bait Trump into reverting to foaming, whining, name-calling form - picture Captain Queeg at the end of the Caine Mutiny - he may be able to end the threat Trump poses once and for all.