In deciding to debate former President Donald Trump on June 27 and September 10, President Biden tacitly admitted he was trailing in the race; this is a high-stakes effort to turn the tide.
Trump needs to focus on securing his lead. This means preparing to stay composed and aiming for a performance akin to the second 2020 Biden-Trump debate rather than the first.
Biden’s strategy will likely involve provoking Trump on contentious issues like abortion and early voting, hoping for a misstep.
On abortion, Trump seems well-prepared. He proudly highlighted at his Wildwood rally, “We’ve also gotten abortion out of the federal government and back to the states,” emphasizing that it’s now up to each state’s citizens.
He maintained that this should remain until a national consensus emerges, which appears unlikely shortly.
Trump also acknowledged that “Some states will be more conservative and others will be more liberal,” noting the progressive choices of voters in Ohio and Kansas and adding, “But that’s the way it is, and it’s something that we should cherish.”
Trump advocates for a break from culture wars and seeks a truce at the national level.
This stance aligns with Nikki Haley’s, which has kept her a notable contender in GOP primaries even after suspending her campaign.
However, Trump might miss Biden’s broader strategy, tempting him to focus on the 2020 election and criticize early voting, potentially lowering his voter turnout.
GOP operatives at state and local levels understand the necessity of maximizing early votes; Democrats have successfully leveraged this in 2020 and 2022.
Trump should avoid getting bogged down in abstract principles and play to win under the current rules, avoiding post-election regret like Hillary Clinton’s over the Electoral College.
Michael Goodwin notes that given Biden’s ongoing struggles, the race is Trump’s to lose.
