After the debate on Tuesday, it is was obvious that fireworks will only continue. This blog had some theoretical advice for the President, and had some predictions that Joe Biden could do alright (just enough), with media assistance. While it was notable that Chris Wallace was unable to keep the debate on track, and he was aiding Biden openly at times, this was a somewhat missed opportunity for the President.
As noted earlier, it was a time for Trump to counterattack, probably his greatest specialty. Instead, in a somewhat noble, but also misguided effort, the President launched an attack reminiscent of Soviet rolling offensives of World War II, attacking in different spots all along the front. The interruptions became more of a spectacle, not aiding in the debate. Yes, it is absolutely necessary for Biden to answer about Hunter, the Supreme Court packing scheme and numerous other sins, but style points still count, thus making interruptions count as well.
This isn’t meant as a harsh critique of the President, rather, just a place for improvement. On the substance front, he was well above average, actually this was almost certainly his best debate concerning substance. He was on point about the Green New Deal, the suburbs, energy, law and order, the economy and other topics as well. He had Biden spinning on occasion, forcing the former VP to either hide, insult or slink through his answers. When the Democrats are calling you a racist, and they are calling you a clown, while they have been the actual racist and have been the nonsensical voice in the room, it’s hard not to sympathize with Trump’s annoyance. The interrupting though stole some of the luster of an otherwise great performance.
The President isn’t the outsider anymore, he is judged harshly (unfairly too) by the media/political establishment complex, and he will always be held to a higher standard because he is the Commander in Chief. Knowing this, he has areas to improve, and they aren’t hard areas to improve upon. As mentioned earlier in a slightly different way, when the opponent is preparing to harm himself, don’t give them respite. Instead, merely aid their discomfort with slight barbs or with unending kindness. “Joe, I yield my time to you, no rush,” is a slightly condescending, but effective strategy to force Biden out of his mental bunker when he is struggling.
In the end, this might be a bit too late, as the debates may switch to a less intense format, with each side answering uninterrupted (less likely for Trump with an even more adversarial moderator). Still, if the President can adapt and keep his cool, Biden will be forced to answer questions, and his stumbling will become far more evident as the debate progresses. Again, Trump should do what he does best, counterattack with his great one-liners, and pound hard with the facts and truth. These benefit him far more than his opponent.
Overall, this debate was a version of Antietam, with Trump channeling the Unionist forces, and Biden representing the neo-Confederate forces. While this iconic battle was in essence a draw, except for the fact that the Army of Northern Virginia was forced to withdraw, this is what this first round of debate was: either a draw, or a slight Trump victory. But as with Antietam, the opposing force was allowed to slink away to fight another day. Trump knows now that he won’t be able to rattle Biden, and that he must be more wary of attacking too much, fighting over too little gain. Pick his battles, and Trump will dominate the next two debates without a doubt.
Sincerely, your humble servant,
Winston Publius
The Classical (Trumpian) Liberal 