The Scripted Biden vs. the Disorganized Trump: Who Provides His QAs for the Debate?
Recent discussions have highlighted the stark differences in preparation and presentation between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump during their previous debates. A common point of debate is the sourcing of questions and answers for the presidential debates, particularly for Joe Biden.
The Role of CNN and the Debate Cheerleaders
The questions provided to Joe Biden are believed to come from his team at CNN, known for their supportive and loyal stance towards the Democratic party. These "cheerleaders" are thought to act as a conduit for directly feeding Biden his talking points, ensuring that he has the answers to every question prepared in advance.
The content of these answers is typically crafted by a committee of handlers and then tested in focus groups. Once the questions and answers are approved, they are given to Biden to memorize, giving the appearance of spontaneous speech while ensuring a consistent and controlled narrative.
Trump's Lack of Preparation and Public Policy Knowledge
In contrast, Donald Trump has been criticized for his disorganized approach to public debates. According to many sources, Trump was unable to answer questions even after multiple prompts, suggesting a lack of substantive knowledge about public policy and an unwillingness to engage in deep research or study.
Some argue that it is not whether Biden has a script that matters, but rather his ability to respond to the issues at hand, despite not being at full health. Diagnosed with a head cold and laryngitis, Biden was still engaging in the debate, albeit with some lapses in focus.
Debate Preparation and Team Dynamics
It is clear that both candidates rely on their teams for support, especially during debates. Biden's team is known for their effective and well-prepared approach. Even at Camp David, Biden's debate team has been preparing for a wide array of questions, likely anticipating anything the debate moderators might throw at them. The team focuses on presenting Biden and his administration in the best possible light, with a special emphasis on the rebuttals to Trump's comments.
Even when dealing with the challenges of health and stamina, Biden demonstrated his ability to continue the debate. Post-debate, there is generally a period where candidates can recover, and this often leads to improved performance the following day. For Biden, taking medication and resting such as anti-inflammatories and decongestants helped him regain his composure and verbal proficiency.
Conclusion
In summary, while the sourcing of questions and answers does play a role in the preparedness of candidates, it is the candidate's ability to respond effectively and authentically to the issues at hand that ultimately sets the tone for the debate. Both Biden and Trump have their strengths and weaknesses, and the key to a successful debate lies in the effectiveness and preparation of the candidate and their team.