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Biden and Trump are set to debate. Here's what their past performances looked like
Four years ago, then-President Trump arrived at the first debate with Joe Biden in Cleveland seemingly determined to steamroll Biden at every turn.
apnews.com
Then-President Trump arrived at that first matchup in Cleveland seemingly determined to steamroll Biden at every turn, leaving the Democratic candidate exasperated and moderator Chris Wallace scrambling to regain control.
Now, in 2024, many of the rules insisted on this time by Biden’s team — and agreed to by the Trump campaign — are designed to minimize the potential of a chaotic rerun. Each candidate’s microphone will be muted, except when it’s his turn to speak. There will be no studio audience to chime in with hoots and jeers.
While I like the "Muting of the mic" approach (due to Trump's non-stop interruptions the last time...and duct taping his mouth shut when it's not his turn isn't an option)
Not sure how I feel about the "no audience" provision this go-around...
I feel like the combination of that "no audience" rule, combined with the the fact that it's being hosted by CNN (and moderated by two of their anchors), lends itself to the perception (and possibly the reality) of "running cover for Biden".
A) I'm assuming there were some concerns about some pro-Palestinian protestors showing up and "making a scene" (in ways that are unflattering to Biden)
B) Whether or not they'd actually do it, the perception will be that due to CNN controlling the feed (and the delay), they'll selectively cut Biden moments that contain mumbling or awkward pauses. An audience being there would at least give the perception that there's people there who could keep them honest after the fact and provide details about whether or not there were certain moments that didn't make it to TV.