By The opinion
Former President Donald Trump is raising his debate expectations for President Joe Biden when there are just a few days left until the two almost certain presidential candidates in the 2024 elections face each other, and after spending months describing Biden as a weak and mentally inept leader.
“I assume it will be someone who will be a worthy debater? I don’t want to underestimate him,” Trump said during an episode of the “All In” podcast, hosted by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks and David Friedberg, that was released Thursday.
Noting Biden’s performance in the vice presidential debate against former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who ran as Sen. Mitt Romney’s vice president in his 2012 presidential campaign, Trump, in a rare moment, praised Biden.
“All I can say is this, I saw him with Paul Ryan, and he destroyed Paul Ryan. Paul Ryan in the water, he was throwing water left and right… and he beat Paul Ryan. So I’m not underestimating him. I’m not underestimating him. It is what it is”, Trump commented.
Trump’s comments They oppose his previous rhetoric regarding President Biden and they occur as his campaign advisors warned that Biden could outperform in the debate, because expectations have been low for him and Trump himself has contributed to this.
After Trump and Biden agreed to hold two debates, Trump requested that Biden take a drug test before the debates, claiming that if he performed well, it would be due to some kind of improvement in his performance.
However, as the debate draws ever closer, Trump has begun to sow doubts among his supporters about possible ways Biden could exceed expectationscomplaining about the logistics of next Thursday’s first debate and possible media coverage.
Ahead of Thursday, both candidates have taken different approaches to preparing for their first public confrontation this election period.
While Biden hunkers down at Camp David, engaging in mock debates and honing his message with advisers, Trump has been holding policy meetings with his vice presidential nominees and former administration officials.
Keep reading:
• Trump will require Biden to submit a drug test before the first presidential debate
• First debate between Biden and Trump would be decisive for the Democrat’s re-election bid and possible replacement, according to report
• Trump and Biden accept new rules for a debate where the presence of Kennedy Jr. is not ruled out.