Tonight, a pivotal confrontation will take place on stage.
According to Fox News, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are preparing for their first debate since 2020, a significant event poised to reshape their political narratives.
This CNN Presidential Debate, also being simulcast on Fox Mulai, is essential as it’s their first in-person exchange post the last presidential elections, significantly raising the stakes for both participants.
Van Jones, a political commentator for CNN, expressed considerable apprehension regarding how a lapse by Biden could gravely impact his political prospects. Noting the shift in the former Vice President’s support base, especially among younger voters, Jones underscored the possible repercussions of any major mistakes. He referred to it as a 'senior moment,' which might not be easily forgiven by the public and could mark a turning point in Biden’s campaign.
Jones critically evaluated the challenges that both candidates faced under the unique debate conditions. He mentioned that Trump is likely to find the format difficult: "No audience means no immediate feedback for his usually impactful one-liners and interruptions," Jones noted. This could significantly stifle Trump’s usual debate tactics.
Van Jones gave a detailed assessment of how this debate setting could act as a litmus test for both leaders. He stated:
Trump has problems tonight as well. Trump’s in a box he’s never been in before. There’s no audience. So that oxygen that he gets from dropping his insults, and comic stuff — no one’s going to be laughing at his jokes. He's not used to that. Number two: the mic getting cut off is going to mess him up. Because he loves to run over people. That's his main thing. Won't be able to do it. Number three: he’s got to pretend to be somebody he’s not. He's got to pretend to be presidential. So he’s going to be playing a role he’s not used to, in a format that he’s not used to, with his main weapon, being a bully, being taken away from him.
Moreover, Jones critiqued the Republican strategy of undervaluing Biden's capabilities ahead of the debate, a tactic that set the performance bar notably low for Biden and paradoxically might play to his advantage.
The implications of this debate are immense. Biden’s ability to avoid any major gaffes could reaffirm his position with wavering voters, while Trump needs to demonstrate that he can adhere to the more restrictive format without his usual strategies. Jones colorfully described Trump as a dynamic and challenging presence to contend with a mix between a "freight train" and a "grizzly bear."
Despite these pressures and a potentially tough night ahead, Jones believes that standing up to Trump could significantly bolster Biden's image. He conveyed a strong opinion about the resilience needed to face Trump:
> Anybody that can stand up to that guy for an hour and a half — I couldn't stand the guy for an hour and a half — is fit to be president. So if [Biden's] able to do it, if he’s able to put some lefts and rights together for an hour and a half against this guy, it is going to be requalifying.
The Trump campaign has not issued any comments in response to inquiries, while the Biden campaign chose to remain silent ahead of the debate.
Tonight’s duel will not just be another debate, but a decisive battle of narratives that could define the forthcoming phases of their political careers. Both Biden and Trump, each armed with distinct styles and facing unique challenges, fight not just for a win in the debate, but for their political future.
