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BWdem4life

(1,729 posts)
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:16 PM Apr 16

Should Biden debate Trump?

A lot of disagreement on this one, curious what the majority opinion might be here on DU.

Simple yes or no -- not gonna muddy it up with "under certain conditions"...

Which way do you lean right now?


158 votes, 1 pass | Time left: Unlimited
Yes
40 (25%)
No
118 (75%)
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
57 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Should Biden debate Trump? (Original Post) BWdem4life Apr 16 OP
Absolutely budkin Apr 16 #1
Yeah Faux pas Apr 16 #2
There is no benefit to debating Trump bucolic_frolic Apr 16 #3
I concur. ProudMNDemocrat Apr 17 #54
Biden would have to stop laughing at Trump. Srkdqltr Apr 16 #4
No. TSF does not deserve the respect that the traditional electoral process is Deuxcents Apr 16 #5
This orangecrush Apr 16 #29
I voted "No", but only because there's no chance of a debate being done properly. If they'd cut Trump's mic... Silent3 Apr 16 #6
Maybe if they put a Mr.Bill Apr 16 #16
I'm leaning no mvd Apr 16 #7
Biden should say: There's no real reason to debate a violent Insurrectionist. n/t MartyTheGreek Apr 16 #8
Why help someone who is beating himself? Tom of Temecula Apr 16 #9
No. H2O Man Apr 16 #10
There might not be a lot to gain but he absolutely could lose a lot if he refuses to debate. All Mixed Up Apr 16 #28
Not. H2O Man Apr 17 #40
Spelling bee. nt Hotler Apr 16 #11
Perfect! MLAA Apr 16 #37
Yes, because the American public likes Biden more when they see him... W_HAMILTON Apr 16 #12
Agreed. And Biden always kicks ass at debates. Which DU seems to have forgotten for some reason. emulatorloo Apr 16 #20
There's only downside to not debating Trump Johonny Apr 16 #13
Post removed Post removed Apr 16 #27
... orangecrush Apr 16 #30
Only if they cut his mic WiVoter Apr 16 #14
Agree 100% Rstrstx Apr 16 #17
Absolutely not! nevergiveup Apr 16 #15
I said No canetoad Apr 16 #18
I agree. It would turn into a real mess and there would be no "debating " Deuxcents Apr 17 #41
I don't see an up side to this. And when will Trump have time anyway - he's pretty much booked TBF Apr 16 #19
trump did not do himself any favors during the debates four years ago mnmoderatedem Apr 16 #21
He tried to give Joe covid lame54 Apr 16 #25
He stalked Hillary which the moderators did not take control of Deuxcents Apr 17 #42
I'd have said yes a few weeks ago Enquiring_Mind Apr 16 #22
Yes Polybius Apr 16 #23
Only if it's on the phone with plexiglass between them lame54 Apr 16 #24
Biden should commit to the Commission's debates later this year. All Mixed Up Apr 16 #26
To quote Napoleon Bonaparte TheFarseer Apr 16 #31
I can't wait to see it. creeksneakers2 Apr 16 #32
Unless the media can control a live audience from outbursts, which they can't, and JohnSJ Apr 16 #33
Yes. I know trump is a worthless POS and will pull stunts over debate. Debate is expected. Silent Type Apr 16 #34
TFG's not worth it. dmr Apr 16 #35
EXACTLY!!! niyad Apr 17 #47
He should wait for a serious candidate to debate. ColinC Apr 16 #36
EXACTLY!!! niyad Apr 17 #45
With any luck, that decision will be up to the warden. Qutzupalotl Apr 17 #38
May it be so! niyad Apr 17 #46
Any opportunity ForgedCrank Apr 17 #39
Do you remember his behaviour at previous debates? Stalking Hillary? niyad Apr 17 #44
Yes, I remember. ForgedCrank Apr 17 #48
uh huh, like that will happen. TRAITOR** does not behave like a normal niyad Apr 17 #49
Any proper ForgedCrank Apr 17 #50
FUCK NO!!! There is no reason to pretend that TRAITOR** is in any niyad Apr 17 #43
Yes. Joe is a very smart politician and knows that if he does little other than roll his eyes, laugh, and poke Donny Ping Tung Apr 17 #51
Every word that comes out of Trump's mouth is a lie. Emile Apr 17 #52
Of course he should. BlueTsunami2018 Apr 17 #53
I'd support debates, but only if NanaCat Apr 17 #55
No debate will take place JHB Apr 17 #56
If it's a Fox moderator Chipper Chat Apr 17 #57

bucolic_frolic

(43,578 posts)
3. There is no benefit to debating Trump
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:26 PM
Apr 16

He will be meaner and more angry than ever.

MSM will spin both-sider theories and tell us why they are really equals.

He's destroying himself each day. Let him proceed.

ProudMNDemocrat

(16,947 posts)
54. I concur.
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 06:28 AM
Apr 17

A total waste of time on Joe's part. Joe is doing fine as it is being rational and non bombastic.

TSF suffers from Attention Deficit Syndrome. If the attention is not on him, he makes sure it is no matter how much it makes him look like a raving lunatic.

Srkdqltr

(6,400 posts)
4. Biden would have to stop laughing at Trump.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:27 PM
Apr 16

I can just hear Biden saying shut up man between laughing fits.
Are you kidding me?
Seriously, you don't believe that?

Deuxcents

(16,460 posts)
5. No. TSF does not deserve the respect that the traditional electoral process is
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:27 PM
Apr 16

He tried very hard to dismantle our system of government, its traditions and values. He deserves no respect

Silent3

(15,458 posts)
6. I voted "No", but only because there's no chance of a debate being done properly. If they'd cut Trump's mic...
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:29 PM
Apr 16

...when it wasn't his turn to speak, never let him get away with that bullshit of shouting over everything Biden says, a debate would be great.

mvd

(65,187 posts)
7. I'm leaning no
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 06:41 PM
Apr 16

Trump would never respect the debate rules. And he would whine about who hosts, where it is, etc. I doubt it would be productive.

 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
28. There might not be a lot to gain but he absolutely could lose a lot if he refuses to debate.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:12 PM
Apr 16

It would be political suicide with how many people already question whether he's mentally fit enough to be president. If Biden refuses to debate Trump, especially through the Commission on Presidential Debates, he will only amplify that concern and there's no opportunity to walk it back because that's all the media will talk about in the weeks heading up to the election.

And it'll be entirely justified.

Just as if would be if Trump refuses to debate Biden. The quickest way Biden loses reelection is by refusing to debate.

W_HAMILTON

(7,880 posts)
12. Yes, because the American public likes Biden more when they see him...
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 07:03 PM
Apr 16

...(case in point: the SOTU) rather than when they hear about him from biased media coverage, lots of which want to push an anti-Biden narrative for political expediency.

Furthermore, Biden will mop the floor with Trump. For all the talk about how Biden has lost a step or two, you can see that he's still sharp as hell based on recent public events, off-the-cuff remarks, etc. He will do just fine in a debate against Trump.

Trump is becoming more and more unhinged and you can tell that he is actually in a state of cognitive decline -- as usual, everything accusation from a Republican turns out to be a confession -- and he is only going to get worse and more stressed out between now and Election Day.

So, I'm all for Biden taking on Trump head-to-head and not backing down, which is how the media absolutely will portray it as if he refuses to debate him.

Johonny

(20,985 posts)
13. There's only downside to not debating Trump
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 07:03 PM
Apr 16

I don't assume Trump will actually debate. Biden should bot be seen as the one ducking a debate. Many people question Biden's stamina etc . . . A live debate basically can end all speculation about his fitness. The substance of the debate doesn't matter. It's Trump so there will be no substance. Any debate would likely finish Trump and boost Biden. Plus, I think Trump will duck the debates as he did after his disaster 4 years ago.

Response to Johonny (Reply #13)

Rstrstx

(1,404 posts)
17. Agree 100%
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 07:48 PM
Apr 16

And Biden should tell Trump if he wants to debate he should go through the Commission on Presidential Debates, like everyone else

Deuxcents

(16,460 posts)
41. I agree. It would turn into a real mess and there would be no "debating "
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:14 AM
Apr 17

Just misinformation and childish nicknames and no real substance on the issues. A joke that the whole world does not need to see

TBF

(32,164 posts)
19. I don't see an up side to this. And when will Trump have time anyway - he's pretty much booked
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 08:08 PM
Apr 16

with court cases currently.

mnmoderatedem

(3,741 posts)
21. trump did not do himself any favors during the debates four years ago
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 08:35 PM
Apr 16

why would it be any different this time around?
 

Enquiring_Mind

(83 posts)
22. I'd have said yes a few weeks ago
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 08:43 PM
Apr 16

But Joe is rising in the polls while MAGAt nation seems to be imploding, what with the trial and Johnson in trouble.

 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
26. Biden should commit to the Commission's debates later this year.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:07 PM
Apr 16

He should not agree to debate Trump outside the Commission on Presidential Debates. Neither he or Trump can afford refusing to debate there, though. In fact, I'd wager if either refuse to debate, the one who refuses first will lose the election. There's just too much concern about both, especially in regards to their mental faculties, where refusing to debate would present a really bad narrative that they're not mentally sound enough to be president.

TheFarseer

(9,328 posts)
31. To quote Napoleon Bonaparte
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:21 PM
Apr 16

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. Trump’s whole campaign is one mistake after another. Nothing good can come of a debate where Trump will dominate the conversation with so many lies that Joe will never be able to swat them all down. It would be beyond fun to watch but just not a good idea if you want to win and if want our nation to retain a shred of dignity.

creeksneakers2

(7,492 posts)
32. I can't wait to see it.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:30 PM
Apr 16

Joe has so much ammo to go after Trump with. Plus, Trump can no longer control himself. Joe will try to get under his skin and will probably succeed. When Trump loses it in front of 80 million everyone will see he's unfit. When Joe kicks Trump's butt the too old nonsense will be over. How can he be too old when he just kicked butt?

JohnSJ

(92,554 posts)
33. Unless the media can control a live audience from outbursts, which they can't, and
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:32 PM
Apr 16

won’t, I would say no. It would be a circus event treated like a reality show.

No advantage in my view.

The Matt Lauer separate interviews by him of Hillary verses Trump was a disgrace. He was rude and wouldn’t even let Hillary finish a question before interrupting her, while let Trump ramble on with softball questions

In other words, the MSM is motivated by hyperbole and gotcha, to attract viewers, instead of discussing actual issues affecting Americans.

Silent Type

(3,068 posts)
34. Yes. I know trump is a worthless POS and will pull stunts over debate. Debate is expected.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:36 PM
Apr 16

Biden needs to show up no matter what trump does. Looking for another “Oh, shut up” moment.

dmr

(28,374 posts)
35. TFG's not worth it.
Tue Apr 16, 2024, 11:38 PM
Apr 16

Seriously he is not worth it, and President Biden should come right out and say why.

Then a whole contingent of Biden supporters and anti-Trumpers should join echoing the President's reasonings.

Blast the airwaves. Take control. Stop TFG and his minions from letting the liars from seizing the narrative.

ForgedCrank

(1,788 posts)
39. Any opportunity
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:08 AM
Apr 17

to get Trump on a stage he doesn't control is an opportunity to remind everyone of what he really is.
I want to see Biden challenge him on policy while the entire country watches.

niyad

(114,018 posts)
44. Do you remember his behaviour at previous debates? Stalking Hillary?
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:18 AM
Apr 17

Trying to kill Biden, coughing on him when TRAITOR** knew he had been exposed?

ForgedCrank

(1,788 posts)
48. Yes, I remember.
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:28 AM
Apr 17

Doesn't change my mind. He needs to be on stage and on display for everyone to see.
Biden needs to call him out on policy and make him respond

niyad

(114,018 posts)
49. uh huh, like that will happen. TRAITOR** does not behave like a normal
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:34 AM
Apr 17

candidate at a debate, nor should he be legitimized in any way. President Biden, VP Harris, and their campaign staffs, are doing a very good job of calling him out. He does NOT need more free air time.

ForgedCrank

(1,788 posts)
50. Any proper
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 12:50 AM
Apr 17

run-up needs to see both candidates in such a forum.
I'm not a fan of the so-called moderated debates, but it's what we have, and people need to see candidates for what they are. Controlled ads and press releases don't cut the mustard.

Ping Tung

(807 posts)
51. Yes. Joe is a very smart politician and knows that if he does little other than roll his eyes, laugh, and poke Donny
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 01:39 AM
Apr 17

Boy occasionally to cause the idiot to shoot his mouth off Trump style.

Trump's mouth is Joe's best ally to win the election easily.

Emile

(23,251 posts)
52. Every word that comes out of Trump's mouth is a lie.
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 05:07 AM
Apr 17

Why in hell give him a platform to spread more bullshit.

BlueTsunami2018

(3,515 posts)
53. Of course he should.
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 06:03 AM
Apr 17

Yes, Тяцмр is an unworthy, traitorous asshole. Yes, any “debate” with him devolves into a blather of insults and words salad. However, the President simply cannot appear to be ducking the idiot and afraid to show up. That would be giving the dipshit an advantage he doesn’t deserve. Stand up there, mock him, tout your accomplishments and challenge his insane “policy” ideas.

Winning a debate and showing statesmanship against that fool isn’t a monumental feat. Just go in and take care of business.

NanaCat

(1,587 posts)
55. I'd support debates, but only if
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 08:16 AM
Apr 17

Both were put in those isolation booths like on old game shows. Mic cuts off and lights in booth dim if someone is done with their three minutes (or whatever) to answer questions/rebut.

That would cut down on the nonsense and bullying attempts from one particular side.

JHB

(37,166 posts)
56. No debate will take place
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 08:36 AM
Apr 17

There may be one or more circus rings that call themselves that, but they bear no resemblance to a debate and Joe should refuse to participate in such frauds.

We have two elections' worth of debates that have demonstrated that Trump will violate any rule or agreement about terms on a whim. Hillary and Joe wiped the floor with him every single time, but as long as he got to bloviate and pose and glower and loom, his base loved it. Not a single mind was changed, nor would any this cycle.

Save the debates for when the Republicans are sane again, which may not be anytime this century.

Chipper Chat

(9,710 posts)
57. If it's a Fox moderator
Wed Apr 17, 2024, 09:31 AM
Apr 17

There will be questions like
"What changes would Melanie make to the white house if you are elected?"

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