I agree with David Jolly . Biden should have refused to

[triron]

Debate a felon.

[Raven123]

1. I disagree. He is the candidate. You debate the candidate

We all know TFG would say Joe is too old and demented to debate him. Now to be clear they will claim Joe is too old and demented to be POTUS, but everyone gets to see them side by side.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Agree. But Biden's team wanted the debates out of the way early.

And despite the hype, the deep public is not focused on this at this time.

I expect the Biden team will deliver prominent points about Biden's success, Trump's record, Trump's convictions, and Trump's 2025 fusion. That's all they have to do. No risks, no off-message, and limited barbs at Trump to see how it plays.

If this gets too out of hand, Biden could pull out of September's debate.

[WarGamer]

3. Since they're turning off mics...

I think we'll see prepared statements on both sides without a lot of "off the cuff" moments...

Might be boring actually.

[2naSalit]

4. This could be the time...

When pendejo45 actually bursts into flames!

He can't contain himself, he'll be jumping up and down, waving his arms all over while his mic is off. When it's his turn, he'll be boiling over about some jab made by Biden that he'll end up looking, for all the world to see, like the hot mess he really is. That's probably why Biden is okay with him having the last statement.

If it weren't the presidential debate, it could almost be called abuse of the infirm.

[WarGamer]

5. I'm sure we'll see lots of dumb looks on his face...

[brewens]

10. I'm thinking every statement by Joe should end in a dig at Trump over his idiocy. Like speaking on an

accomplishment or plan, "while Donald is babbling about low flow toilets".

"We ended the pandemic and not by chugging bleach." Stuff like that every time to bait Trump into going off and wasting his time denying or defending shit everyone saw. He may not even remember many things if he's as bad as we think.

[2naSalit]

13. I'm expecting a serious meltdown..

Right there on the stage, maybe leave in an ambulance.

[wnylib]

8. If they make prepared statements, those statements would have to be memorized.

Debate rules say that they cannot bring written notes or statements to the debate..

They are allowed to have a pencil (or pen?) and a pad for taking notes during the debate, but cannot bring written material with them.

[WarGamer]

9. Usually they will break it down into sections

1) Economy, talking points 1-4

2) Immigration, talking points 1-3

3) Democracy, talking points 1-4

4) Foreign affairs, talking points 1-5

And throw in prepared and practiced Zinger line as desired.

They don't need to memorize... just remember an outline. In other words... Trump will be ranting and screaming.

[Rebl2]

15. I heard all

they can have at their podium is a blank piece of paper, pen and glass of water. Don’t know if true though. I think I heard it on either WBBM radio or npr.

[Walleye]

6. "Donald, would you please explain the thing about the shark in the electric boat again most people didn't quite grasp it

Joe is certainly not gonna let a convicted felon bully him into taking a drug test for crying out loud

[gab13by13]

7. I lean to allow the country to see

How far TSF has deteriorated.

[wiggs]

11. Campaign should release statements about what to expect from Trump: ...'more whining, victimhood, unfounded

accusations, lies, anger, racism, chaos...stuff we are all sick of. Highly doubtful the twice impeached, convicted felon has the interest in or knowledge of policy issues and it's unlikely he will participate in policy discussion. Sad.'

Steal the thunder ahead of time...make him try to be unpredictable and emphasize policy.

[Johonny]

12. No, Bidens problem is he need to kill the narrative

That he's too old. He need to get out in public more and this is a perfect opportunity to perform live. What Donald does almost doesn't matter. Biden isn't debating Trump so much as he's performing to the home audience.

[bigtree]

16. too bad there wasn't already some sort of speech he could have given the nation

..which would clearly show that the age issue is bullshit, like an address before Congress or something.

This debate is actually to show the nation how much more looney and unfit Trump has become, and provide the contrast.

The narrative is a 78 year-old convicted felon, twice impeached presidential election loser (to Biden), against the most experienced man in the nation for the job with a proven record of successes and promises kept.

To go to this thing thinking he has to dispel something that doesn't exist would be the lowest of expectations out of this event.

[Skittles]

14. that would be letting Trump off easy, wouldn't it?

[Torchlight]

17. I think his inherent status as a convicted felon brings shame only to Mr. trump.

Pres. Biden loses nothing from the appearance, retains his status as a just, decent, and fair man, and avoids any negative narratives that would neccesarily be a by-product of refusing to show.