As the first presidential debate approaches, President Joe Biden’s aides are training him to get under President Donald Trump’s skin during their face-off at CNN’s forum on Thursday. Sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that Biden and his team have left Washington for Camp David, Maryland, to prepare for the debate.
Scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, the debate will be moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper from Atlanta, Georgia, with Newsmax simulcasting the event. Biden’s aides are reportedly prepping him for various tactics Trump might use, while also sharpening Biden’s own attacks and insults.
Former Vice President Dan Quayle suggested Biden should try to ridicule Trump, as it might provoke an angry reaction. Biden’s debate preparation includes potential references to the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol breach, aiming to portray Trump as having “snapped.”
The New York Times reported that Biden’s aides are also preparing him to stay on topic while responding to Trump’s policy proposals. This preparation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Biden’s cognitive fitness following recent incidents that highlighted his advanced age.
During the G7 summit in Italy, Biden wandered away from a skydiving demonstration and was guided back by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Later, he appeared to freeze at a campaign event and was led offstage by former President Barack Obama. The White House dismissed the G7 incident as a “cheap fake” video circulated by conservative groups.
Some commentators have expressed concerns about the low expectations set for Biden in the debate. Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer emphasized the need to remind everyone of Biden’s long political career and debating skills.
Trump, on the other hand, acknowledged Biden’s debating prowess, referencing Biden’s past debate with Paul Ryan. “He destroyed Paul Ryan,” Trump remarked, indicating he is not underestimating Biden.
