Chuck Todd Slams Biden Campaign's Debate Rules, Accusing Them of Aiding Trump's "Presidential" Image

NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd has criticized the Biden campaign's debate rules, arguing that they will inadvertently help former President Trump appear "more presidential" during their upcoming face-off.

NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd has taken aim at the Biden campaign, arguing that its requested debate rules are helping former President Trump appear "more presidential."

During a discussion on MSNBC, Todd expressed concern that the Biden campaign's insistence on having a muted microphone for Trump and no audience could backfire and make Trump seem more controlled and composed. He pointed to Trump's past debate performance, in which his aggressive interruptions and erratic behavior alienated voters.

Chuck Todd Slams Biden Campaign's Debate Rules, Accusing Them of Aiding Trump's "Presidential" Image

"This to me, though, is the real risk for Team Biden," Todd said. "They so want to have a different experience than the last debate they had with them or the first debate from the last cycle. And ironically, that's the single best debate Biden had, right? Because Trump's behavior really sort of almost cemented Biden's lead by that point and it may have done Trump in at that point."

Todd questioned the Biden campaign's motivation behind these rules, suggesting that they could be undermining their own efforts to present Biden as the more presidential candidate.

Chuck Todd Slams Biden Campaign's Debate Rules, Accusing Them of Aiding Trump's "Presidential" Image

"I have to say, when you sort of look at their motivation here and given the experience they had four years ago, it's a head scratcher to me that they went so out of their way to try to create an environment that will make Trump seem more presidential," he added.

Todd's comments come as the two presidential candidates prepare for their first debate on Thursday, hosted by CNN and simulcast on Fox News. The debate rules have been finalized, and will include no audience and mic cut-offs, as well as a format where both candidates will stand behind a podium without props or prepared notes.

Chuck Todd Slams Biden Campaign's Debate Rules, Accusing Them of Aiding Trump's "Presidential" Image

The CNN moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, both have a history of critical coverage towards Trump. Trump himself has expressed skepticism about CNN's fairness towards him, suggesting that there is only a "10% chance" they will be impartial.

The upcoming debate is highly anticipated, as it will be the first time Trump and Biden have shared a stage since the 2020 election. Both candidates are expected to clash on a wide range of issues, including the economy, healthcare, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Chuck Todd Slams Biden Campaign's Debate Rules, Accusing Them of Aiding Trump's "Presidential" Image

The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on the race, as both candidates seek to galvanize their base and sway undecided voters. Todd's criticism of the Biden campaign's debate rules suggests that the race remains competitive and that Trump could pose a serious challenge to Biden's presidency.