House Democrats want President Biden to take no prisoners in Thursday’s debate, saying only an assertive approach can effectively sell his political message, repel GOP attacks on his competence — and counter the former’s bellicose style. -President Trump.
Democrats say Biden has a clear advantage heading into the high-stakes event, as the incumbent president with a string of important legislative victories under his belt. But with concerns about inflation still dampening national sentiment, they want their White House ally to make it clear that these policies have improved people’s lives – and to do so with force.
“He should be aggressive,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), former head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “He has a great record and should properly criticize Trump for what he’s not capable of doing — that he doesn’t have a plan.”
The momentum highlights the unique and dichotomous nature of debates in national campaigns. Although they provide candidates with a huge stage to promote their platforms and challenge their opponents, the television platform also presents risks that a poor performance – in delivery, in appearances, even a single gaffe – could stir up headlines and leave unfavorable impressions. on voters. In this environment, optics are as important as substance.
Democrats marveled at Biden’s performance in his annual State of the Union address in March, when he made a spirited defense of his legislative victories and promised more to come if voters kept Democrats in power. Nearly four months later, they hope he brings the same zeal to the debate stage Thursday night.
“He should be as energetic as he was during the State of the Union address. Because the political operatives on the other side have worked double time to try to persuade people that Biden has little energy and is unfit for office,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). “They wanted drug tests after this [because] he did so well in terms of energy level.
“I would like to see him repeat that.”
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) echoed that message, saying Biden’s March speech eased Democratic concerns that the GOP’s attacks on the president’s fitness were resonating with voters and could be a drag on the party in every moment at the polls.
“[He] it just cleared the air for a lot of people,” Takano said. “There were doubts about his stamina, his ability, and I think he clearly showed in the State of the Union that he was more than prepared for the job.”
Thursday’s debate is the first of two scheduled before the November elections, when Biden and Trump will face off in a rematch of the 2020 contest. Behind Trump, Republicans throughout the campaign have portrayed Biden, 81, as a a weakened figure who lacks the physical resistance and mental acuity that the position requires.
At a recent rally, Trump suggested that Biden would be “soaked” in cocaine to help him through Thursday’s debate — a baseless accusation that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was forced to shoot down on Wednesday. fair.
Democrats have repeatedly dismissed attacks on the president’s physical condition, pointing to the long list of legislative accomplishments in his first three and a half years, while noting that Trump, who just turned 78, has made his own share of gaffes. in this year’s election campaign. . Biden’s doctors, however, regularly certify that he is fit to serve.
Still, polls have consistently indicated that Biden’s age is a risk for the president in the eyes of voters. And tone aside, Democrats are eager for Biden to highlight his legislative record, especially the important legislation he passed in the first two years of his term, when Democrats also controlled the Senate and House.
That list includes legislation to help small businesses survive the pandemic; provide $1 trillion for new infrastructure projects; boost national production of computer chips; and reduce the cost of insulin to $35 for patients.
“The president led us through one of the most productive last congressional terms in the last 50 years,” said Rep. Darren Soto (D-Florida). “He needs to talk about this — and how it’s improving people’s lives.
Cartwright pointed to a project in his district that Biden could promote: a new passenger train between Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Biden was born, and New York City, which is estimated to bring tens of millions of dollars to the region.
“We haven’t had this in 50 years,” Cartwright said. “It wouldn’t have happened without the big push for infrastructure.”
Biden has a difficult job.
By a number of measures, the country is in better shape than it was before the pandemic. The unemployment rate remains at its lowest levels in decades; the stock market fluctuates at historic highs; workers’ wages increased significantly; and violent crimes are happening less frequently than in 2019 under Trump.
Still, many Americans perceive a different reality – some recent polls indicate that the majority of voters think the country is in a recession – in large part because the rising cost of many consumer goods during the pandemic continues to hit consumers in the pocketbook. Republicans, in particular, are more likely to blame the federal government for inflation.
Democrats say Biden should not shy away from the issue, but rather use the debate stage to acknowledge the challenges that inflation has caused for people in the lower and middle classes, while also pointing to specific policies he will promote to address the problem. persistent.
“Although inflation is decreasing, it is not retreating. And then people remember that two years ago they were paying a lot less for eggs and bread,” Cartwright said. “And I think that should be recognized and we’re working on it.”
Trump’s debate style also presents unique challenges to his opponents. The former president is famous for being combative on the podium, frequently interfering while rivals speak and clashing with moderators who try to bring calm to the stage. The first debate between Trump and Biden in 2020 is widely remembered for the former president’s interruptions and insistence.
He and his campaign team have already accused CNN’s appointed moderators – Jake Tapper and Dana Bash – of being biased against him.
Democrats conceded that Trump is no ordinary debater, but expressed confidence that Biden — a longtime veteran of the debate stage — can handle his own debates.
“You can’t let him run over you if you’re arguing with him, but you don’t want to get into a shouting match with him. You have to be strong and measured,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.).
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
