Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate

Former President Trump and President Biden are preparing for their first debate in the 2024 election rematch. Allies on both sides share their expectations and advice for the candidates' performances.

Ahead of the first of two CNN Presidential Debates in the 2024 election rematch, allies of former President Trump and President Biden are sharing their expectations for the candidates' performances.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Thursday night's debate is which version of Trump will show up. In their first debate in the 2020 election, Trump interrupted Biden and the moderator dozens of times, lost his cool, and failed to condemn white supremacists. His performance was widely criticized by political pundits and viewers alike.

Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate

Trump's allies are urging him to replicate his more disciplined performance in the second 2020 general election debate, which they believe would significantly improve his chances of success.

"If he replicates that performance, Donald Trump’s going to have a very good night," said longtime Republican consultant and veteran debate coach Brett O'Donnell. "He was measured but firm. You can be aggressive and passionate without being offensive."

Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate

O'Donnell, who has coached presidential candidates, including George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, believes Trump has been more disciplined in this race. He argues that Trump has been focusing on issues that resonate with voters, such as the cost of living and the economy.

"Most Americans think that their personal world and the world in general is in chaos, and they’re looking for someone who’s going to restore order," O'Donnell said. "Talking about personal issues helps neither person."

Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate

Biden's allies, on the other hand, are cautioning him against calling Trump a "convict," as he has done multiple times since Trump was convicted on multiple felony counts. O'Donnell believes this is a mistake, as it could play into Trump's strengths and allow him to talk about the justice system in a way that resonates with voters.

O'Donnell also warns Trump against focusing on Biden's age, suggesting that Biden's debating skills may make the age factor evident without Trump's direct provocation. Trump has repeatedly ridiculed Biden as "weak, failed, and incompetent," but his campaign recently attempted to recast Biden as a capable debater.

Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate

Despite Trump's criticism of Biden, O'Donnell believes Biden should avoid falling into the "incumbent trap," where incumbents often perform poorly in their first debate. He also emphasizes that Biden needs to frame the race as a choice between him and Trump, defending his record over the past four years.

"Neither of these candidates has really framed the race up yet for the American voter to understand how they should decide the race," O'Donnell said. "The debate is a perfect place for them to do that."

Trump and Biden Allies Set Expectations Ahead of CNN Presidential Debate