Conversation topics
The topics of discussion have been determined in advance. The candidates will debate covid-19, family, race, climate change, national security and leadership. Trump’s camp protested against these issues: they wanted foreign policy on the program too. They also disagreed with the choice of the moderator, NBC journalist Kristen Welker.
The fact that corona is an important topic can work out well for Biden. His campaign has consisted largely of criticizing Trump’s corona policy. “Trump focuses more on his efforts to save the economy,” says De Dijn. “It is a pity for him that that subject is not in the list.”
Yet both parties have a clear strategy on almost all subjects. Climate change is striking in that regard, says Waagmeester. “Trump actually ignored climate change during his presidency, so he has little text on it. What he can do is respond to fears that Biden’s climate policy will cost a lot of money.”
Microphone off
After the chaotic first debate, the rules of conduct have been tightened. For example, a candidate’s microphone is turned off at certain times when the other is speaking. The committee organizing the debates considered this necessary after the first debate, in which Trump, in particular, often interrupted Biden.
During this debate, both candidates are given two minutes to answer a question. Then the opponent may go against it. Both campaign teams agreed to this rule, although Trump later called it “unfair.”
De Dijn thinks the new measure is a sensible choice. In her opinion, many voters were disappointed with the state of politics after the first debate. “This kind of mud tossing and constant interruptions doesn’t make people feel good about their political leaders.”
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