Biden & Trump Face Off in High-Stakes Debate: Age, Strategy, and Public Perception at Play

[Social Media]

 

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the upcoming televised debate on June 27 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is set to be a pivotal event. Both candidates, who are in their late 70s and early 80s, are not only battling each other but also confronting the issue of age and public perception regarding their fitness for office.

 

On his 78th birthday, Trump received a message from Biden that underscored their mutual struggle against ageism in politics. “Take it from one old guy to another,” Biden wrote on social media, “Age is just a number.” This seemingly innocuous comment highlights the intense scrutiny both candidates face regarding their ages. Trump has been relentless in portraying Biden as frail and incapable, pointing to moments where Biden appeared slow or uncertain. Conversely, Biden has not shied away from highlighting Trump's erratic behavior, such as his meandering speeches and outlandish comments, which often diverge into disjointed and fictional narratives.

 

Both campaigns have utilized selectively edited footage to emphasize their points. Republicans recently circulated videos of Biden appearing uncertain at the G7 meeting in Italy, suggesting he is unfit to govern. This narrative was promptly refuted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who clarified that Biden was merely engaging politely with parachutists behind the group of leaders. “It’s just completely not what happened,” Sunak told The Sunday Times, emphasizing the misleading nature of the footage.

 

The reality, insiders admit, is that both portrayals contain a kernel of truth. Biden does sometimes appear stiff and frail, while Trump has a well-documented tendency to go off-topic and tell disjointed stories. The American public will soon have the chance to see for themselves how the two measure up when they take the stage in Atlanta, Georgia, for the first presidential debate. The stakes could not be higher, with polls showing a razor-thin margin between the two. The Economist recently published a forecast giving Trump a two-in-three chance of defeating Biden, while Five Thirty Eight's election model reflects an extremely close race, showing Biden slightly ahead one week and Trump edging forward the next.

 

Biden's camp is concerned that despite his rigorous debate preparation, the demanding schedule of the presidency may take its toll. Following a hectic G7 summit, a trip to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and dealing with the emotionally charged trial and conviction of his son, Hunter Biden, on gun charges, Biden has a packed itinerary leading up to the debate. He will attend fundraisers in Los Angeles with former President Barack Obama and Hollywood stars Julia Roberts and George Clooney, followed by a significant fundraising dinner in Virginia with Bill and Hillary Clinton.

 

To prepare for the debate, Biden plans to retreat to Camp David with a close circle of advisers and extensive briefing books. This preparation aims to ensure he appears energetic and sharp, countering the narrative that he is past his prime. Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff, is leading this preparation effort, described by allies as meticulous and veteran operative. Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist, believes the debate poses more significant risks for Republicans. “If the central argument Republicans are making against Biden is that he is old and unfit, then if he goes toe to toe and succeeds, it’ll destroy their fundamental argument,” he said.

 

In contrast, Trump is reportedly dismissing the need for extensive preparation, relying instead on his experience from holding regular rallies. His approach highlights the divide between the two men’s personalities: Trump despises lengthy briefings, while Biden meticulously reviews detailed binders provided by his aides. This difference also underscores the inherent disadvantages of debating as an incumbent president, who must balance the isolation and demands of office with the need to engage with the electorate.

 

Historically, incumbents often struggle in their first re-election debates. Obama, Reagan, and George Bush Sr. all had lackluster performances in their initial debates, with varying impacts on their campaigns. Obama and Reagan managed to recover in subsequent debates, but Bush Sr.'s campaign suffered when he was mocked for checking his watch during a debate with Bill Clinton.

 

For Biden, there is no room for error. Republican pollster Whit Ayres stated, “Joe Biden is behind and feels like he needs to change the dynamic of the race in order to stand a chance. And so he, I suspect, will be studying very hard.” Trump, meanwhile, has claimed readiness to debate Biden “any time, any place,” yet he risks appearing crude and unstable compared to Biden. Trump’s strategy has been to use his legal troubles, including a conviction on 34 counts of falsification of business records, to rally his base, while Biden is expected to question Trump’s eligibility for office given his criminal record.

 

The 2020 debates offer a glimpse into the potential dynamics. In the first debate, Trump’s constant interruptions and insults led Biden to tell him to “shut up, man.” Trump’s more focused approach in the second debate was perceived as a better performance. “We’ll see which Donald Trump shows up this time,” Ayres remarked.

 

Both candidates have recently shown vulnerabilities, with Biden occasionally stumbling or forgetting words and Trump going off-script or freezing during speeches. Hank Sheinkopf, an American political consultant, noted, “Should Biden forget a word, should Biden stop, should Biden stumble, it’ll be a campaign ad. He’s got to appear energetic, non-stop, so he can’t be accused of being a doddering old man.”

 

Biden’s campaign, led by top aide Jen O’Malley Dillon, aims to “zero in on Trump’s dangerous campaign promises and unhinged rhetoric,” reminding voters of the chaos and harm caused during Trump’s presidency. At Camp David, Biden’s team will focus on honing his debate style and ensuring he can deliver zingers with the necessary energy.

 

Despite concerns that Trump might pull out of the debate, Rosenberg remains confident in Biden’s readiness. “Biden wants to debate, he’s ready to go,” he said. “The question is whether Trump is going to show up. How will he answer basic questions like: why should a convicted felon be president?” However, Republicans assert that Trump is more than ready. Jason Miller, a key Trump adviser, stated, “President Trump takes on numerous tough interviews every single week and delivers lengthy rally speeches while standing, demonstrating elite stamina. He does not need to be programmed by staff.”

 

As the debate approaches, the American public eagerly anticipates a showdown that could significantly influence the course of the 2024 presidential election. With both candidates under immense pressure to perform, the debate will be a critical moment for Biden and Trump to prove their vitality and competence, potentially swaying the opinions of undecided voters and shaping the future of the nation.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-06-17

 

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[spidermike007]

From what I understand this will be a different format. There will be on the spot fact checking. Since 90% of what Trump says is fake, an exaggeration, or made up, this will hurt him. He will look like even more of a fool than usual. Biden has a far greater grasp of the facts, and even at his age is smarter and sharper than Huge Don. 

 

This should be interesting and is a great opportunity for Biden, (the better candidate) to pull ahead in the polls. 

[neeray]

Biden needs to lay out is plans and policies for the next four years. This is what the voter wants to hear, like "how will you make my life better". He could be strong in this area, whereas Trump has no great policies to present beyond his plans of revenge, scrapping tax on tips, giving more tax breaks to the already ultra rich, executing many people including his disloyal sycophants, political foes, stripping government institutions, attempting to deport millions, starting a trade war via tariffs etc.

 

Biden will keep his cool and act statesman-like. Trump will ramble on in an attempt to intimidate, even yell on when Biden is speaking, despite mics being muted. Biden will win this debate.

[charmonman]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

President Trump takes on numerous tough interviews every single week and delivers lengthy rally speeches while standing, demonstrating elite stamina

Tough interviews? When? Where?

Standing in one spot demonstrates “elite stamina”? If the stakes weren’t so high it would be hilarious.

[RichardColeman]

5 minutes ago, neeray said:

Biden needs to lay out is plans and policies for the next four years.

Agreed, as what he has done in his last four years has been an utter disaster.

 

The people of the US can see they were far better off under Trump than currently under sleepy puppeteered Joe. 

 

Like him or loathe him, immigration was better under Trump, the economy was better under Trump, less wars started under Trump. Biden has nothing in his record he can run on ................apart from abortion !

[Tug]

17 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Agreed, as what he has done in his last four years has been an utter disaster.

 

The people of the US can see they were far better off under Trump than currently under sleepy puppeteered Joe. 

 

Like him or loathe him, immigration was better under Trump, the economy was better under Trump, less wars started under Trump. Biden has nothing in his record he can run on ................apart from abortion !

Are you drunk?now I know that stockmarket has been just terrible imagine all the retirement accounts building wealth just terrible don’t forget the disaster of lower drug prices,much much better for big pharma to rip everyone off ehh?and don’t get me started on those terrible unemployment figures or the miserable jobs created …..then let’s not forget all that terrible legislation oh the horrors……last time I looked the USA hasent started any wars but has stood with allies.in Tucson az I can buy gas for 3$ a gallon with a war on and opec trying to rip us off…..naaa Richard Joe is far and away doing a better job than trump,yes he’s old yup we all wish he was younger yup ….all that being said he Will disembowel trump during the debate especially with the muting of the microphone when trump try’s to blow it up.its going to be fun to watch just 2 candidates no audience no fluffers just facts and policy…….!!

[WDSmart]

Unfortunately, this debate is on Thursday night in the USA, which is Friday morning here (Thailand). I play golf every Tuesday and Friday mornings, so I'll miss it.   I assume there will be reruns of the whole debate, at least I'm hoping there will be. I know the debate will be the main topic on CNN for the entire weekend, but I'd rather see it myself, first. 

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Biden's camp is concerned that despite his rigorous debate preparation, the demanding schedule of the presidency may take its toll.

If that is a problem then Biden should not be standing at all. If for whatever reason he is not capable of doing a debate because he feels tired then he is not up to dealing with a crisis as POTUS.

Amazing that they would actually make excuses ahead of the debate for his ( expected ) poor performance- "Oh he's just been too busy"

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

To prepare for the debate, Biden plans to retreat to Camp David with a close circle of advisers and extensive briefing books.

OR, perhaps he's getting a cochlear implant so his handlers can tell him what to say- an invisible teleprompter. 🙂

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Hank Sheinkopf, an American political consultant, noted, “Should Biden forget a word, should Biden stop, should Biden stumble, it’ll be a campaign ad. He’s got to appear energetic, non-stop, so he can’t be accused of being a doddering old man.”

If that is so, Biden probably lost the debate already, IMO.

 

I'm pickin' a sudden crisis requiring the POTUS will eventuate just before the debate starts. You heard it here first.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

As the debate approaches, the American public eagerly anticipates a showdown that could significantly influence the course of the 2024 presidential election. With both candidates under immense pressure to perform, the debate will be a critical moment for Biden and Trump to prove their vitality and competence, potentially swaying the opinions of undecided voters and shaping the future of the nation.

The debates are very important. IMO the televised debate that Nixon lost to Kennedy was an important part of Kennedy winning the presidency.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist, believes the debate poses more significant risks for Republicans. “If the central argument Republicans are making against Biden is that he is old and unfit, then if he goes toe to toe and succeeds, it’ll destroy their fundamental argument,” he said.

and if Biden does show he is old and unfit................................

[thaibeachlovers]

I've marked this one on the calendar- the must watch event of the year!

[Hanaguma]

If ya think Trump is doddering, check out the clip of him playing tennis with Venus Williams. In a suit, no less. Love to see Joe try…

[soalbundy]

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and if Biden does show he is old and unfit................................

They are both old and unfit but the orange one has dementia as well as being a fascist.

[thaibeachlovers]

1 minute ago, soalbundy said:

They are both old and unfit but the orange one has dementia as well as being a fascist.

If I can write Biden's name on here I'm sure you are capable of writing Trump's correct name.

You negate any possibility of being taken seriously by posting garbage.

[EVENKEEL]

Problem with joe is he comes across as either an angry old man or an old forgetful man. I'm sure joe will spurt the old dependable "it will be the end of democracy" while Trump mocks joe.

 

I'd bet joe will be spending days before debate getting amped up, lots of supplements to help with his cognitive abilities.

[pomchop]

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Agreed, as what he has done in his last four years has been an utter disaster.

 

The people of the US can see they were far better off under Trump than currently under sleepy puppeteered Joe. 

 

Like him or loathe him, immigration was better under Trump, the economy was better under Trump, less wars started under Trump. Biden has nothing in his record he can run on ................apart from abortion !

Sale on kool aide?

[soalbundy]

11 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

If I can write Biden's name on here I'm sure you are capable of writing Trump's correct name.

You negate any possibility of being taken seriously by posting garbage.

What nerve have I touched for you to take my post so personally? Posts on AN don't change the world, they aren't even a fart in someones general direction.  It isn't  advisable to identify closely with any politician, they don't care about you, they care about personal power and most are sociopaths.

[stoner]

my money says the old delusional fool wins the debate. 

[Gsxrnz]

Can't wait - I've already bought my popcorn. 

[fondue zoo]

49 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

OR, perhaps he's getting a cochlear implant so his handlers can tell him what to say- an invisible teleprompter. 🙂

 

This exactly.

In fact what are the rules for that, will they try and be sneaky? 

 

_{I saw an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia where Frank won an international chess tournament with zero knowledge of chess using remote control anal beads.}

 

 

[Tug]

44 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

If that is a problem then Biden should not be standing at all. If for whatever reason he is not capable of doing a debate because he feels tired then he is not up to dealing with a crisis as POTUS.

Amazing that they would actually make excuses ahead of the debate for his ( expected ) poor performance- "Oh he's just been too busy"

 7 out of the first 16 posts on a thread about a debate in a country you are not a citizen of …….thats just creepy weird!yup Joe is old so is trump.as trump was sleeping through his felony convictions president Biden was overseas meeting heads of states the pope and paying our respects to the folks that have shown the fullest measure of devotion to our country acknowledging the cost of freedom and democracy.perfoming as a head of state should .that’s a pretty heavy load even for a young man.im not concerned about the debate especially with the rules they have in place.perhaps your idol would be better served to riff about sharks battery’s and sinking boats…….

[Celsius]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

From what I understand this will be a different format. There will be on the spot fact checking. Since 90% of what Trump says is fake, an exaggeration, or made up, this will hurt him. He will look like even more of a fool than usual. Biden has a far greater grasp of the facts, and even at his age is smarter and sharper than Huge Don. 

 

This should be interesting and is a great opportunity for Biden, (the better candidate) to pull ahead in the polls. 

 

Why the fake AI photo?

[thaibeachlovers]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This should be interesting and is a great opportunity for Biden, (the better candidate) to pull ahead in the polls. 

Trump isn't going to lose his voters unless he actually falls asleep during the debate, but Biden a/ IMO doesn't have a base- just people that don't like Trump.

b/ will lose loads of supporters if he does badly.

 

Biden, IMO, has far more to lose than Trump in the debate. No Trump supporter is going to change to Biden just because Biden doesn't talk to dead people during the debate. Trump supporters will still hate Washington whatever happens.

 

BTW it's not an good idea to use obviously AI fake photos in your posts.

[thaibeachlovers]

21 minutes ago, fondue zoo said:

 

This exactly.

In fact what are the rules for that, will they try and be sneaky? 

 

_{I saw an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia where Frank won an international chess tournament with zero knowledge of chess using remote control anal beads.}

 

 

I hope we get to see Biden walk on then. If he walks funny then we can suspect..................................

[spidermike007]

Just now, thaibeachlovers said:

Trump isn't going to lose his voters unless he actually falls asleep during the debate, but Biden a/ IMO doesn't have a base- just people that don't like Trump.

b/ will lose loads of supporters if he does badly.

 

Biden, IMO, has far more to lose than Trump in the debate. No Trump supporter is going to change to Biden just because Biden doesn't talk to dead people during the debate. Trump supporters will still hate Washington whatever happens.

 

BTW it's not an good idea to use obviously AI fake photos in your posts.

Are you stating that Trump was not sleeping during his trial, and his health is not extremely poor? 

[spidermike007]

19 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Why the fake AI photo?

That was Huge Don, and his failing health. Burgers alone do not provide enough energy for him to remain awake all day. 

[thaibeachlovers]

25 minutes ago, stoner said:

my money says the old delusional fool wins the debate. 

Given that IMO they are both old delusional fools that is a sure bet.

[thaibeachlovers]

1 minute ago, spidermike007 said:

Are you stating that Trump was not sleeping during his trial, and his health is not extremely poor? 

I'm stating that it's not a good idea to use obviously fake AI photos in your posts.

It might lead to people thinking everything about your posts are fake.