The first 2016 Presidential debate will be more than a clash of ideas about the country. It will be an opportunity to see how two distinct styles fare against one another. According to a report from CNN, both presidential candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, have adopted two disparate approaches in their debate preparation.
Stylistic Matchups
Hillary Clinton, it seems, is employing a “by the book” strategy. She wants to bait Trump into appearing so clownish that he’ll win the debate for her.
She’s reading background information. She’s analyzing film.
Clinton has taken to researching every aspect she can to find and exploit the weaknesses of her opponent. It’s a sensible approach. One that you would expect from someone with the wealth of debate experience that Clinton has.
Clinton has enlisted the aid of individuals who can help her get inside Trump’s head. She’s taken notes from psychology experts and business people who have had dealings with Trump. Her team has been talking with Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter for Trump’s book, The Art Of The Deal. It appears that Clinton is gearing all of these efforts towards crafting the perfect script to throw Trump off his game, and cover any eventuality that may occur during the debates.
Against an ordinary opponent, experts would see this plan as nearly foolproof. Donald Trump, however, is no common political adversary.
Compared to Hillary Clinton’s textbook debate preparation strategy, Trump is taking an improvisational approach. Instead of reading through policies and briefing books, he’s conversing with friends and advisers. It’s a “learn as you go” approach that falls in line with his tendency to eschew traditional methodologies.
Trump recently expressed his belief that over-preparation will reduce his authenticity. He plans to leverage his natural communication skills to come across as honest and approachable. He’s hoping that Clinton, in comparison, will come across as wooden, scripted, and lacking in charisma.
What To Expect From The Presidential Debate
It will be a near perfect contrast of the polished and unpolished approach. Instead of measured debate about relevant policies, the debates will likely feature the candidates attempting to nullify one another by highlighting their flaws.
Clinton will highlight Trump’s lack of substance and experience. Trump, on the other hand, will hammer home Clinton’s perceived lack of trustworthiness.
Expect email scandals, marital issues, accusations of corruption, and more to find their way to the Presidential debate stage. The first debate will take place September 26 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
You can check out a humorous take on the debate preparations here:
Featured Image via Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons/ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License
