The focus on portraying Trump in a clear light is crucial in understanding the ongoing debate over debates. Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like there might not be a debate between the two major party candidates for the first time in over 50 years. The dynamics of the debate issue have shifted over the past four years, with Trump initially backing out of debates but then pushing for them when it suited his strategic interests. On the other hand, Biden seemed hesitant to commit to debates with Trump, citing concerns about his opponent’s behavior.
Despite Trump’s consistent behavior, Biden eventually agreed to the debates as he recognized the importance of making the election about Trump. Biden’s approach to the debates, like his campaign videos, is strategic. He insisted on holding the debates in a TV studio with just the candidates and moderators present, ensuring a focused and controlled environment. This mirrors the style of the campaign videos, where Biden directly addresses the viewers without distractions.
Trump’s media-centric approach, while a strength in some ways, also leaves him vulnerable to being portrayed as a spectacle. Biden’s campaign videos, like the upcoming debates, aim to align him with the voters in observing and critiquing Trump’s actions. By controlling the debate conditions, Biden hopes to shift the focus onto Trump’s behavior rather than his own performance.
Ultimately, the debates will be deemed successful if they highlight Trump’s shortcomings rather than showcasing Biden’s strengths. If not, Biden will need to find alternative strategies to emphasize the choice between himself and the current alternative in the upcoming election.
