The Campaign Moment: Trump accepted Biden’s debate proposal. Now what?
May 17, 2024
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Political reporters Aaron Blake and Michael Scherer discuss Biden-Trump debates, hush money trial, campaign strategies, and polling implications. They explore unique debate pairings, negotiation dynamics, and implications of trial outcomes on voter preferences.
The absence of an audience in upcoming debates may affect candidates' strategies, requiring a shift towards substantive discussions.
The Trump campaign's adoption of a leaner ground game strategy indicates a shift towards efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the 2024 elections.
Deep dives
Debates Between President Biden and Former President Trump Scheduled
President Biden and former President Trump have settled on terms for two upcoming debates, causing mixed reactions among Americans. Biden proposed the terms, including one-on-one debates with specific conditions, to which Trump accepted. The debates are scheduled for June 27th and September 10th. This early timing is significant and indicates a shift from the usual debate schedule.
Debate Dynamics and Audience Impact
The absence of an audience during the upcoming debates may impact the candidates' strategies. Trump, known to play to the crowd, might face challenges without immediate audience feedback. The focus on substance over applause lines could provide a more centered debate environment. Biden aims to solidify a binary choice between him and Trump to potentially attract undecided voters.
Trump Campaign's Ground Game Strategy
The Trump campaign is adopting a leaner ground game strategy for the 2024 elections, contrasting past practices. This strategy prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness over a traditional in-house field operation. The decision stems from financial constraints and a new FEC ruling allowing enhanced coordination with external groups.
Poll Insights and Electoral Dynamics
Recent polls indicate challenges for Biden in key swing states like Nevada, where Trump leads significantly, raising concerns among Democrats. Biden's appeal among young, black, and Hispanic voters has weakened, impacting his position. A poll disparity between Biden and generic Democrat Senate candidates underscores potential election dynamics favoring Democrats in down-ballot races.
It’s Friday, so it’s time for The Campaign Moment — our weekly roundtable conversation to help you keep track of the biggest developments of the 2024 campaign. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake, who writes The Post’s new newsletter by the same name, and national political reporter Michael Scherer join Martine Powers this week. There is a lot to dig into about the debates agreed to this week by President Biden and former president Donald Trump. Also on the must-chat list: the latest from the hush money trial in New York, the reporting by Michael and Post colleagues on the Trump campaign’s “leaner” ground strategy and the implications of some of the latest polling.
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