Biden Needs Decisive Debate Victory to Keep Presidency

CNN host Fareed Zakaria argues that President Biden's first debate with former President Trump will be make-or-break for his chances of a second term.

CNN host Fareed Zakaria believes that President Biden's upcoming first debate with former President Trump is critical for his chances of winning a second term. Zakaria argued that Biden "has a lot more to gain or lose from this" because he is currently facing grim polling numbers.

Zakaria said that Biden needs to approach the debate "as if he's the underdog," because he is trailing Trump in several battleground states and demographics. He also emphasized that Biden needs to be "feisty" and show that he is "in command and control."

Zakaria's comments come after he recently noted that Biden has a "25-point drop" from the 2020 rates on the question of who is more competent. He believes that Biden needs to use the debate to address this issue and show that he is the better leader.

CNN host Jim Acosta asked Zakaria if Biden could use the debates to turn around his polling numbers. Zakaria said that it is possible, but Biden needs to be prepared to "punch and counter-punch."

Zakaria also compared Biden's situation to that of former President Obama, who did poorly in his first debate against Mitt Romney in 2012. Zakaria said that Obama "had been spending his time governing" and was not used to being challenged.

Zakaria concluded by saying that the upcoming debate is a "historic opportunity" for Biden and that it will be one of the most widely and closely watched debates in American history.

Other CNN commentators have also expressed concern about Biden's polling numbers. CNN host Van Jones said that Biden is "in trouble" and that he needs to "turn things around" in the debates.

CNN political analyst David Gergen said that Biden needs to "find a way to connect with voters" and show them that he is "up to the task" of being president.

The first debate between Biden and Trump is scheduled for September 29th. The second debate is scheduled for October 15th. The third and final debate is scheduled for October 22nd.