Playbook: “It’s hard to overstate the significance of this moment. Both candidates are competing for an ever-smaller fraction of undecided voters in what’s shaping up to be one of the closest and contentious elections in modern history, and more than 70 percent of Americans are expected to tune in tonight, as Adam Wren notes this morning. And what happens tonight could set the tone on the campaign trail for the next 11 weeks, since the two won’t come face to face for their second debate until September (presuming that debate happens).”
“It is the highest-stakes hate watch of any modern presidential campaign.”
“Behind the scenes, the Biden campaign acknowledges that tonight could be a major turning point for the president in this race — for better or for worse. Aides believe the electorate hasn’t quite tuned into the campaign; thus, aides see Biden’s main job as dragging Trump into the living rooms of every American and reminding them of the chaos of the previous administration — not to mention the possible future threat to democracy.”
“For Trump, it’s a chance to solidify or even grow the slim lead he’s enjoyed in polling averages most of the year. And of course, remind voters that concerns about their pocketbooks, crime and the border have all exploded on Biden’s watch.”
