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Sorry to Say: Trump "Won" the Debate [1]

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Date: 2024-06-27  

It’s been said that a lie can go around the world three times before the truth can get its pants on. After watching the debate, and working as a vocal and communications coach, I have to say that Trump’s overall performance was stronger than President Biden’s. We are now dealing with a politics that is more like “Celebrity Apprentice” or World Wrestling Federation, and Trump brought his showmanship skills. Trump’s message was the usual stream of lies spoken with conviction, unbatting eyes, and a deep timbre of voice. We know that one of Trump’s main talents—which explains so many Americans falling for his load of bunk—is that he can reel out a lot of personal attacks, lies and a great load of BS. Trump failed to directly answer many of the questions put to him, but instead, deflected and slyly said, “Well, if I may, I want to go back to what he just said.”

The microphone muting seemed effective, at least from my viewpoint. The lack of audience seemed to provide a better environment than in past debates. Biden, whom we know has a stutter, seemed halting, distracted, veering from topic to topic, and not able to clearly make a point in a memorable way—which, again, is Trump’s gift, even if everything that he spews is a total pack of lies. Biden was hoarse—did he have a throat infection or perhaps laryngitis from practicing for the debates? His stuttering, a natural and lifetime condition, hurt him. We cannot change that. We know we cannot change Trump. To offer criticism of Trump is beside the point. We are counting on Biden to save democracy. May I please make the following suggestions to Biden’s debate coaches?

1. Close your mouth. Although Trump’s remarks make all of our collective jaws drop, and this is understandable, please counsel Biden to keep his mouth closed when not speaking. Slacked-jawed is not a good look. Elderly people—and I am elderly, so this comment is not meant to be ageist—often have their mouths hanging open, making them seem more elderly. President Biden, when not speaking, please keep your mouth closed.

2. Omit weak and repetitive phrases. Biden was understandably outraged at the plethora of lies and misinformation. But he seemed to respond to the lies with a repeated phrase, stammering “The idea that, the idea that...” Please, just stop that. Figure out a way to say it differently. Consider just saying, “THESE ARE LIES!” Biden characterized Trump’s comments as “misinformation.” Just say it: LIES. And please stop repeating the phrase, “And by the way…”

3. Don’t take Trump’s bait. Trump is skilled at putting provocative bait out there to distract his opponents. When Trump bragged about golf, Biden had to participate and brag about his golf handicap. C’mon, man! This was just silly. You made yourself look like Trump! We don’t care whose golf game—or whose bragging about their golf game—is better. You were elected because you are NOT a fifth grader, and usually you act accordingly.

4. Your laugh is your strength. At a couple of points during Trump’s firehose of insane lies, Biden just grinned, smiled and laughed quietly. We getcha! This was when you looked strongest. And Trump hates to be laughed at.

5. Try a stronger closing statement. Biden’s closing statement was weak. Something about inflation and taxes, haltingly spoken. How about this? “Donald Trump is the ONLY American president who has called for the violent overthrow of American democracy and for terminating the American Constitution. Donald Trump is the only American president who ignored, denied and mismanaged a pandemic that killed ONE MILLION AMERICANS, most of them senior citizens. Donald Trump is the only American president who predicted ‘American carnage’ and brought it on January 6. Donald Trump is the only American president who has taken away half of American citizens’ reproductive rights. Women no longer can control their own bodies. Donald Trump is the only American president who quotes Hitler, and admires other dictators such as Putin and Orban. We CANNOT allow this man to become president again.”

6. Point out Trump’s avoidance or failure to answer. Call a LIE a LIE. Trump deflected from direct questions several times. Biden needs to note that, “I would just note that Mr. Trump never answered that question.” And again, referring to #2 above, just call out a LIE.

President Biden, we are counting on you to save our country from fascism. Your coaches need to help you up your game. You will have my vote, and those of us who observe substance and check facts. But many cannot, and we need you to make a better showing.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/6/27/2249143/-Sorry-to-Say-Trump-Won-the-Debate?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web

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