Kim Strassel, Howard Kurtz, and Martha MacCallum discuss Trump's timing in surrendering Georgia, the Biden family scandal, the potential consequences of Trump not participating in debates, and the upcoming Republican debate preparations. They also analyze President Biden's visit to Hawaii and his response to a disaster zone, highlighting criticisms surrounding his leadership.
Trump's decision not to participate in debates could set a precedent for Biden to also decline debates, potentially avoiding rough moments on the debate stage.
If Biden's campaign refuses debates and justifies it on principle, it could resonate with voters who have doubts about Trump and his conduct in the general election.
Concerns within the Republican Party about Trump's decision to not participate in debates, as it could give the Biden campaign ammunition to deny future debates and be perceived negatively by voters.
Trump's campaign sees their focus as maintaining momentum and inevitability as the front-runner in the Republican primary, while avoiding potential pitfalls and risks associated with engagement.
The reaction to the upcoming Republican debate from Wisconsin conservatives will provide insights into the Republican Party's landscape and the openness to alternative nominees.
Deep dives
Trump announces he will not participate in upcoming debates
Former President Trump has announced that he will not be participating in the upcoming debates, both in the Republican primary and potentially in the general election against President Biden. This decision comes amidst Trump's strong lead in the primary polls and the belief that his presence in the debates is unnecessary. While some criticize this decision as arrogant or avoiding accountability, Trump's campaign sees it as a strategy to not provide additional attention and momentum to other candidates. This move could potentially impact future debates, with the Biden campaign having the opportunity to use Trump's refusal to debate as a reason to avoid debates themselves in the general election.
Biden campaign watches Trump's decision closely
The Biden campaign is closely watching Trump's decision to not participate in the debates. They see this as an opportunity to potentially avoid debates themselves in the general election. If Trump's strategy of avoiding debates in the primary proves successful, it could set a precedent for Biden to also decline debates, citing the principle of not dignifying Trump's presence. This scenario could be politically advantageous for Biden as it allows him to focus on his basement-style campaign and avoid potential rough moments on the debate stage with Trump. However, there is some risk involved, as not participating in debates could be seen as a lack of transparency and confidence in Biden's abilities.
Trump's decision could impact the general election
Trump's decision to not participate in debates has implications for the general election as well. If Biden's campaign decides to also forego debates, they could point to Trump's refusal as a precedent. This scenario could present a challenge for the Trump campaign, which sees the debates as an opportunity to change the trajectory of the race and showcase Trump's strength against Biden. However, if Biden's campaign refuses debates and justifies it on principle, it could resonate with voters who have doubts about Trump and his conduct. It remains to be seen how this decision by Trump will impact the dynamics of the general election.
Concerns within the Republican Party
There are concerns within the Republican Party about Trump's decision to not participate in debates. Some worry that it could give the Biden campaign ammunition to deny future debates in the general election if they feel it is strategically advantageous. Additionally, critics argue that not participating in debates could be seen as a lack of willingness to engage and could be perceived negatively by voters. However, Trump's campaign believes that his strong lead in the polls and the desire to avoid providing attention to other candidates justifies their decision.
Potential impact on the Republican primary
Trump's decision not to participate in debates could impact the Republican primary as well. Instead of engaging with other candidates, Trump's campaign sees their focus as maintaining momentum and inevitability as the front-runner. By refusing to debate, Trump avoids potential pitfalls and risks associated with engagement and relies on his campaign's messaging and his own prominent presence to secure the nomination. However, this strategy is not without risk and there are concerns within Republican circles about the potential consequences of foregoing debates.
President Biden's Response to the Hawaii Disaster
President Biden's delayed response and remarks during his visit to the Hawaii disaster zone have received criticism. Some have questioned his engagement and empathy towards the affected individuals, given his time spent on vacation and off-script comments. The president's storytelling has also come under scrutiny, as his description of a personal incident in Washington contrasts with what was reported during that time. These missteps have raised concerns about his leadership and ability to connect with the American people during times of crisis.
The Hunter Biden Investigation
The recent revelations about the Hunter Biden investigation shed light on the alleged mishandling of the case. The reports suggest that Hunter Biden's lawyers negotiated terms with prosecutors that would have led to no guilty pleas or charges against him. The involvement of an assistant in the prosecutor's office, who was accused of suppressing investigations related to the White House, raises further questions about the motivations behind the proposed deal. The threats made by Hunter Biden's legal team, such as involving President Biden as a defense witness, added another layer of complexity to the situation. These details underscore the controversial handling of the case and the potential political implications associated with it.
President Biden's Past Storytelling Questioned
President Biden's penchant for storytelling and its accuracy has been called into question once again, this time during his visit to Hawaii. His embellishments and exaggerated stories, such as his description of a personal incident where his house allegedly burnt down, have garnered criticism. The disparity between his narratives and factual accounts creates a disconnection with the actual experiences and struggles of those affected by the disaster. This raises concerns about his ability to express empathy and relate to the American people in a sincere and truthful manner.
Looking Ahead to the Republican Debate
As the first Republican debate of the 2024 cycle approaches, there is anticipation surrounding how the candidates will perform and the potential impact of the event. Voters and analysts are interested in which candidates can capture people's attention and outline their vision for the future of the country. While former President Trump's absence from the debate has been noted, the focus is shifting towards other candidates who have the opportunity to make a strong impression, resonate with voters, and potentially establish themselves as viable contenders. With the grassroots and non-D.C. perspectives in mind, the reaction to the debate from Wisconsin conservatives will provide insights into the Republican Party's landscape and the openness to alternative nominees.
Kim Strassel, Potomac Watch columnist for Wall Street Journal edit page & Fox News Contributor. Be sure order her newest book The Biden Malaise: How America Bounces Back from Joe Biden's Dismal Repeat of the Jimmy Carter Year @kimstrassel
Howard Kurtz – host of Fox News Channel’s “Mediabuzz” (Sundays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET). Host of the hit podcast Media Buzzmeter. Check him out on Twitter @HowardKurtz
