Staff Reports
The upcoming Biden-Trump showdown in Atlanta is shaping up to be quite the spectacle, especially considering the stakes. President Joe Biden, already wrestling with low expectations and doubts about his fitness, will step into the ring with former President Donald Trump, who seems more than prepared to remind America why he was such a dominant force in the White House. CNN is hosting what could be a game-changer for the 2024 election.
Biden faces an uphill battle as he tries to dispel long-standing concerns about his age and mental acuity. Even Democrats have shown in polls that they aren’t exactly brimming with confidence in Grandpa Joe. Yet somehow, Democrats like South Carolina Senator Dick Harpootlian are banking on people tuning in as if they’re watching NASCAR, hoping for a wreck. Biden’s supporters apparently think that as long as he doesn’t completely fall apart on stage, it’s a win—that’s setting the bar pretty low.
Matter of Debate: Biden’s ticket to win head-to-head matchup is to show he is in ‘command of his faculties’ https://t.co/PNLCFCRT1m via @dcexaminer
— JohnnyGuitar (@JohnPalumb60539) June 24, 2024
However, the debate isn’t just about policy; it’s about whether Joe Biden can even appear presidential. Critics are quick to point out his stiff walk and disengaged demeanor. There’s a reason why questions regarding Biden’s alertness and focus are at the forefront. For a man who has been labeled as “over the hill” by many, including right-wing commentators, anything short of a major gaffe will likely be seen as a small miracle.
In contrast, Trump is stepping back into familiar territory. He’s used to the spotlight, possessing experience from both his previous debates and his stint on “The Apprentice.” Trump isn’t just a little younger at 78, but he has also remained active and vibrant. Trump doesn’t need to be programmed or prepped intensively; his supporters believe he will outshine Biden just by being himself. Lowering expectations for Biden might just backfire on whoever thought it was a good idea to paint him as incapable.
Both campaigns have agreed to CNN’s debate format, which means locked-in microphones and no pre-written notes, ensuring that the candidates are on their own once the fireworks start. For Biden, the challenge will be to remain coherent and avoid any monumental slip-ups. For Trump, it’s about staying cool and collected while emphasizing just how ill-suited Biden is for another term.
Expectations aside, the real showdown is likely to offer Trump numerous chances to slam Biden on everything from the economy and immigration to the Hunter Biden scandal and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. This debate is not just a face-off; it’s a referendum on Biden’s presidency and a golden opportunity for Trump to remind America of his strong, decisive leadership.
Whether or not the lack of an in-person audience affects the dynamics remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Biden has a narrow path to walk, while Trump simply needs to be Trump. Both candidates have tremendous downsides if they falter, but the upside is far greater for Trump if he can nail his points and expose Biden’s vulnerabilities. As always, the question is: Will Biden even show up mentally, or will he be a deer in the headlights?
