Both candidates, Biden and Trump, are poised to address their key weaknesses in the debate arena. At 81, Joe Biden has faced concerns about his age and mental acuity, which voters are more likely to consider as a factor than Trump. Biden’s performance in the debate could reshape public perception, and a strong performance could change how Americans view him.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has engaged in controversial and inflammatory behavior throughout his presidency. Voters, especially independents, have expressed strong distaste for Trump’s behavior. Despite the unpopularity of both Biden and Trump, a significant portion of Biden’s support comes from opposition to Trump, presenting a unique electoral dynamic.
Trump’s strategic approach of setting low expectations for himself and casting doubt on the fairness of the debates is consistent with his insistence that he is taking on the power elites he believes engineered his defeat in the 2020 election. Trump has sought to position himself as a formidable challenger, particularly focusing on Biden’s weaknesses on issues such as inflation, immigration and crime.
In contrast, Biden aims to shift the focus to Trump’s weaknesses, emphasizing a comparative assessment rather than a referendum on his standing as president. Biden aims to address concerns about his age and demonstrate command in the debate. Biden plans to highlight Trump’s legal problems, controversial policies and chaotic leadership to present a favorable contrast.
In addition to the debate, attention is also focused on the announcement of Trump’s running mate, which may be announced before the debate. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley’s supporters have formed an important voting bloc, without a political base since she ran for president. Some of Haley’s supporters are undecided, and are considering whether to support Biden or cast a protest vote in the next election.
As the candidates prepare to face off in this crucial debate, the outcome of which remains unclear, attention will be focused on how the debate will affect public perception, messaging strategies and voter sentiment as the campaign moves toward Election Day.
You can watch the first 2024 US Presidential debate live here.
