Trump vs Biden and CNN Debate

[Ben]

A couple of days away, but I thought I'd start the thread early. I most always just catch the highlights of debates, because I can't stand to sit through the whole thing, but I might sit through at least this first one between Trump and Biden. I had mentioned elsewhere here, that given all the concessions that Trump agreed to, while Biden shot most of the ones Trump ask for down, that for me, Trump pretty much wins this debate just by showing up in enemy territory. Biden would never show up to anything hosted by Fox.

Otherwise, a few thoughts I have:

CNN has made a big deal about "fact checks", which I'm betting will be a one way street. They might throw in a few minor "fact checks" on Biden that won't hurt him, like they might fact check when Biden brings up his "only 1% inflation", and say that it only covers a small amount of time.  I'm sure they won't mention that it was lower under Trump.

I'm betting that the "cold mics" will be messed with in favor of Biden. For instance, cutting Trump off exactly on time while letting Biden go over time "to finish his thought".

Obviously softball questions in one direction, and hardballs in the other.

Also as I mentioned in another thread, Tinfoil Ben believes there is at least a very small chance that an "urgent crisis" comes up Thursday morning that "requires" Biden to postpone. Maybe Ukraine will help him out.

In fairness, I also expect Trump to invoke unlikeable teenage mean girl Trump at least a few times. He actually seems to have toned that down a LOT this run compared to 2016 and 2020, and has been coming off a lot more presidential, but Trump is still Trump.

[Brad Johnson]

As much as I want to be interested, my presumptive pessimism still insists it's going to be a complete *expletive deleted*it show that's not worth the aggravation. SWMBO will probably watch. I'll probably catch some of it, but likely switch to YouTube using earbuds on my phone after a few minutes. I don't know for sure, though.

Brad

[HankB]

. . .
I'm betting that the "cold mics" will be messed with in favor of Biden. For instance, cutting Trump off exactly on time while letting Biden go over time "to finish his thought". . . .

I fully expect the moderators to interrupt Trump to "fact check" him while he's talking and thereby cut his response time short. Or use their time to "rebut" Trump and support Biden.

I hope Trump has some short, succinct, well prepared comments ready to go when (not if) the moderators behave . . . immoderately.

[K Frame]

I've seen some people claiming that there will be repeated "microphone" issues when Trump tries to respond... but no problems at all for Stumbles.

I, too, think the thing is going to be a complete *expletive deleted*it show and have no intention of watching.

I'm really not so sure that CNN is going to overtly go Biden ally to the point of real time "fact checking," especially not in a manner overtly favorable to Biden. That would likely cause the network huge image problems, problems which they really can't afford.

[cordex]

That would likely cause the network huge image problems, problems which they really can't afford.

They have no reputation to lose.  It's not like if they behave badly as expected they will lose any viewers.  It is a very rare Trump supporter, indeed, who turns to CNN for unbiased news.  That is unlikely to change even if the moderators are perfectly fair in this case.

[griz]

I'm kind of curious about this one too.  On the one hand, Biden doesn't seem capable of focusing on a topic long enough for a debate, and on the other hand Trump will provide enough digs to keep Biden fired up so he won't freeze up or wander off.  I'll find a way to watch unless it becomes a farse, which still may be a high probability.

[K Frame]

They have no reputation to lose.  It's not like if they behave badly as expected they will lose any viewers.  It is a very rare Trump supporter, indeed, who turns to CNN for unbiased news.  That is unlikely to change even if the moderators are perfectly fair in this case.

I think you may be underestimating the number of undecided, middle of the ground voters that are still out there, including both Republicans and Democrats. If it seems like too much of a CNN-DNC coordinated hit job to prop up Biden it could sway undecided voters away from both.

[K Frame]

" I'll find a way to watch unless it becomes a farse, which still may be a high probability."

Yeah, I'm believing it will be a complete farce.

[MechAg94]

I think you may be underestimating the number of undecided, middle of the ground voters that are still out there, including both Republicans and Democrats. If it seems like too much of a CNN-DNC coordinated hit job to prop up Biden it could sway undecided voters away from both.

Yes.  IMO, that sort of thing only helps Trump's outsider image. 

[MechAg94]

I've seen some people claiming that there will be repeated "microphone" issues when Trump tries to respond... but no problems at all for Stumbles.

I, too, think the thing is going to be a complete *expletive deleted*it show and have no intention of watching.

I'm really not so sure that CNN is going to overtly go Biden ally to the point of real time "fact checking," especially not in a manner overtly favorable to Biden. That would likely cause the network huge image problems, problems which they really can't afford.

I figure I will watch one of the livestreams like Crowder.  If they talk over the debate, I at least mostly agree with their commentary. 

Many of the internet livestreams will get more viewers than CNN.

[WLJ]

Has anyone posted a drinking game?

[cordex]

Has anyone posted a drinking game?

Drink until you pass out.  The winner is the one who has to watch the least of the debate.

[RocketMan]

A funny thought occurred to me while I was fixing breakfast.  Wouldn't it be hilarious if "Biden the Impaired", in the middle of the debate said to his handlers, "Hey guys, this earpiece is too loud.  Can you turn it down?"

[K Frame]

Drink until you pass out.  The winner is the one who has to watch the least of the debate.

I'm in.

[WLJ]

Sounds like a plan

[Ben]

Many of the internet livestreams will get more viewers than CNN.

On the tangent, apparently CNN made some bold statement about nobody on the internets had better break DMCA and livestream any CNN debate  content, and Elon replied with an Elon reply. 

https://twitchy.com/aaronwalker/2024/06/25/whoa-dmca-does-not-apply-elon-musk-lays-down-the-law-on-debate-coverage-on-twitterx-n2397637

Pretty good example of "poke the bear", since Elon can just unplug CNN from X anytime he wants, and CNN can't do anything to him.

[griz]

Just heard a theory on a local radio station about why this first debate is so early.  Early as in neither candidate has officially been nominated.  If Biden completely blows it, such as he can't physically or mentally debate, the party can ease him to the side and nominate somebody else and at least appear to be connected to reality.  Sounds conspiratorial but I see some sense in it.

[lee n. field]

A funny thought occurred to me while I was fixing breakfast.  Wouldn't it be hilarious if "Biden the Impaired", in the middle of the debate said to his handlers, "Hey guys, this earpiece is too loud.  Can you turn it down?"

"Repeat line"

[WLJ]

CNN has made a big deal about "fact checks", which I'm betting will be a one way street. They might throw in a few minor "fact checks" on Biden that won't hurt him, like they might fact check when Biden brings up his "only 1% inflation", and say that it only covers a small amount of time.  I'm sure they won't mention that it was lower under Trump.

Biden: I have brought the deficit down
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be true

Biden: I have brought grocery prices down
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be true

Biden: The Border is secure
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be true

Biden: The reason the border is not secure is because the Rs won't let me secure it.
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be also true. Biden is on a roll here

Biden: Repeat line
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be true

Trump: The sky is blue
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be a lie and that saying the sky is blue is a racist dog whistle

[Brad Johnson]

Drink until you pass out.  The winner is the one who has to watch the least of the debate.

I first read that as winner ... has to watch the last of the debate and thought "you sadistic bastard".

Brad

[French G.]

A funny thought occurred to me while I was fixing breakfast.  Wouldn't it be hilarious if "Biden the Impaired", in the middle of the debate said to his handlers, "Hey guys, this earpiece is too loud.  Can you turn it down?"

Can someone jam the likely freqs?

I really want to know will we ever see the toxicology report if they get a little too much amphetamines in Joe and he has one final glitch mid sentence.

[Ben]

Can someone jam the likely freqs?

Ha ha - I was just thinking the other day that it would be hilarious if somebody hooked Trump up with a microtransmitter that would send feedback to anything within like 30', then watch Biden freak out and put his hand straight to his ear. 

[WLJ]

How many drinks if Biden does the poopy stance?
How many if he walks to the wrong podium or just keeps walking?

[HankB]

Biden will be doped to the eyeballs, and he'll probably be breathing pure O₂ until he walks out.  They're probably going to be crossing their fingers that he doesn't crash until after he's off stage. Kind of like when a street racer soups up a motor in his car - it gains a lot of HP for a while, but when it fails, it can be both unexpected and spectacular.

Ha ha - I was just thinking the other day that it would be hilarious if somebody hooked Trump up with a microtransmitter that would send feedback to anything within like 30', then watch Biden freak out and put his hand straight to his ear. 

Excellent idea!    You know, it would actually make sense for Trump to hire some tech whizzes who'd scan for likely frequencies out in the parking lot and be prepared to jam or (better still) over ride whatever they're wirelessly feeding Biden.

Trump: The sky is blue
CNN: Our fact checkers have determined this to be a lie and that saying the sky is blue is a racist dog whistle. Moreover we have noted that Hitler also thought the sky was blue, meaning once again Trump is aligned with Nazi philosophy.

[Angel Eyes]

(courtesy of The Babylon Bee, of course)