General Discussion

The GOP withdrew from the Commission on Presidential Debates in 2022, so any debate Trump would agree to would be a no rules, Wild West fiasco.

I don’t think Biden would do well in a high pressure debate with unscripted, time limited responses. In last week’s appearance on Seth Meyers, several times he stopped mid-sentence (as if he was restraining himself from swearing about Trump), but then never finished making his point about the issue Myers had asked him about.

Biden apparently had a good interview in the New Yorker a few days ago, but I haven’t yet been able to read it, and have seen zero media coverage except a tweet from the interviewer saying that Biden impressed him with his sharpness, knowledge and experience.

I think it would be better for Biden to focus on selective interviews, perhaps a few town halls, and more connections with “ordinary Americans” helped by his policies- he’s already done a few meetings with families this year, and I think he should continue. These appearances get covered by local media, which can have an important impact in swing states.

Meanwhile, his campaign, and especially Dem supporting dark money PACs, should go scorched earth on Trump’s weaknesses, while spending whatever it takes to maximize registrations and get young voters, women and POC to the polls.

Without debates, Trump will only have rallies and FOX town halls (and maybe CNN) for free airtime- meanwhile the incumbent will enjoy regular coverage, starting with the SOTU this week.