Trump allies focus on avoiding mistakes from 2020 debate by keeping him relaxed and controlled in preparation.
Strategic attacks on CNN reflect Trump allies' belief in biased mainstream media and aim to excite base with controversies.
Deep dives
Trump's Debate Prep Strategy for Biden
Trump's campaign is focusing on avoiding the mistakes made in the 2020 debate by ensuring Trump is more relaxed and controlled. Unlike traditional debate prep, they opt for policy refreshers and discussions on aspects of Trump's agenda to challenge Biden. Despite concern about setting low expectations for Biden, they continue to push narratives about Biden's age and alleged drugs, aiming to keep Trump ahead.
Trump's Media Tactics and Targeting CNN
Trump's allies strategically attack CNN, reflecting the belief that mainstream media is biased against them. The attack on CNN is meant to excite their base with fabricated controversies and maintain the narrative of media opposition. This approach stems from a broader distrust of non-Fox, MSNBC, and CNN media outlets, despite potential risks.
Navigating Split Opinions Within Trump's Campaign
While Trump's supporters lavishly praise him in media, other experienced GOP operatives acknowledge Trump's limitations and the need to manage his unpredictability. They liken Trump to nuclear energy, requiring control to prevent a meltdown and harness his power effectively. This internal split in the campaign highlights the challenge of guiding Trump's actions while leveraging his influence.
President Biden and Donald Trump are set to hold their first debate, after Trump and his allies spent weeks mocking Biden’s age with doctored videos and dumb jokes about Biden’s supposed plan to rely on performance-enhancing drugs. Is all that agitprop just chum for the MAGA masses, or does it reflect a genuine belief that Biden actually is so deep into his dotage that he can’t possibly be a worthy debate adversary? We talked to veteran reporter Marc Caputo of The Bulwark, who has a good new report on Trump’s debate prep. Caputo is highly illuminating on what the Trump brain trust is really thinking as we head into the first showdown.