The Biden/Trump presidential debate is 9 pm tonight.  The NYT has an opinion piece on what each candidate can do to win.

NYT: Biden/Trump suggestions to win.

NYT: Biden/Trump suggestions to win.

Biden should:

  • Be energetic and engaged.
  • Drive the contrast with Mr. Trump.
  • Outline a second-term agenda.
  • Stress the threat to reproductive rights and democracy.
  • Pick the right spots to go toe-to-toe with Mr. Trump.

Read the article, but I’d summarize it as Biden should not be a dotard, not talk about his record and not let Trump rattle him.

Trump should:

  • Talk about the economy whenever possible.
  • Focus on what matters to voters, not on himself.
  • Offer a clear, simple answer when asked about abortion and reproductive health issues.
  • Make the case that he represents strength, at home and abroad.
  • Most important, stay energetic and on topic.

The advice can be summarized as focus on Biden’s record and stay focused.

Prior to presidential debates, everyone is deluded into thinking that their guy will mop the floor with their opponent.  Democrats think their guy is erudite and articulate, while the other candidate is a dumb liar.  Republicans think their guy is decent and moderate, while the other candidate is hates America and will promise anything to win.

Your candidate won’t do as well as you expect.