The debates could be his final hope.
MSNBC host Alex Wagner expressed concern that expectations for President Biden in the upcoming presidential debates were disproportionately high. She likened the current state of the presidential campaign to a frozen landscape, where significant developments seem unable to thaw the entrenched dynamics.
Recent controversies involving both former President Trump and President Biden’s son, Hunter, have dominated headlines but quickly faded without lasting impact on the campaign’s trajectory. Despite this backdrop, Biden faces a challenging landscape with a modest 38 percent approval rating and narrow leads in pivotal battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
In response to this environment, Biden has challenged Trump to debates, viewing them as a crucial opportunity to inject momentum into his campaign. However, pundits argue that the bar has been set low for Biden, suggesting that avoiding major errors could be perceived as a victory in itself, particularly given the debate format and rules that may favor Trump.
Historically, debates have been viewed as pivotal moments in campaigns, yet their outcomes often defy expectations. Even decisive debate performances, such as Mitt Romney’s against Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton’s against Trump, did not fundamentally alter the election’s course.
The pressure now rests on Biden to demonstrate vigor and expertise while facing a relatively informal Trump, who enjoys unwavering support from his base regardless of his debate performance. The consensus among observers is that shifting public opinion at this stage would require a highly unusual turn of events, as most voters already have firm impressions of the candidates.
Similarly, the ongoing speculation about Trump’s vice-presidential choice is seen as having limited impact on the election’s trajectory, as voters historically prioritize the presidential nominee over their running mate.
Overall, the narrative surrounding Biden’s mental acuity and the media’s portrayal of events, such as Obama’s gesture toward Biden at a recent fundraiser, illustrate the complexities and challenges of the current campaign environment. Despite controversies and attempts to influence public perception, the fundamental dynamics of the race remain largely unchanged.
