In Washington, the first signs of trouble emerged even before the debate began, with President Joe Biden appearing frail and raspy as he took the stage. The sole debate between Biden and Donald Trump set off a series of events leading to Vice President Kamala Harris taking the lead on the Democratic ticket. Harris is now gearing up for her own showdown with Trump, with preparations focused on maintaining the positive momentum that has boosted Democrats’ prospects this year.
Reflecting on the previous debate, Trump expressed readiness to face Harris following his underwhelming encounter with Biden. The observations from the June 27 debate offer valuable insights for Harris and cautions for Trump. Understanding the significance of optics in such events is crucial, as highlighted by past instances like the Nixon-Kennedy debate in 1960.
Biden faced challenges articulating his platform clearly and launching effective attacks on Trump during the debate. His responses were at times muddled and lacked coherence, leaving room for Trump’s criticisms. The discussion on abortion brought about contrasting approaches, with Trump making factually inaccurate claims and Biden veering off-topic to different issues.
The debate continued with Biden struggling through various answers, leading to concerns and panic among Democratic strategists. Biden’s inability to deliver strong responses further raised doubts about his suitability for the presidency. Conversely, Harris’ comparatively younger age, turning 60 soon, appears advantageous compared to Trump’s age of 78.
Trump, known for his forceful yet often dishonest tactics, presents several vulnerabilities in debates. His tendency to ramble about personal grievances might engage his supporters but may not translate well in one-on-one debates. As former President Bill Clinton advised, showcasing Trump’s self-serving nature could be a strategic approach for opponents to adopt in debates.
