President Trump considering sitting out 2020 general election debates

[FindersKeepers]

It's obvious to me. He doesn't want to debate because he will finally be cornered into answering tough questions that he cannot just wave off and walk away from. He has a long record ripe for attacking. (spare me the economy retort please)

Maybe so, but if it benefits him not to debate -- he might not debate, for whatever reason. When I first posted the OP, I was thinking it might hurt Trump not to debate, but now, I'm starting to think it might work in his favor. In 2016, neither candidate was an incumbent, so they both really needed to debate, but Trump gets a massive amount of press these days, and Americans already know where he stands on virtually everything. He's not at his best when he's face to face with someone who is attacking him so it might behoove him to sit them out.

[Green Arrow]

Let's see. Who represent the Republicans and will pick the other representatives for the GOP?
Hey, that looks like Mitt Romney's niece. By God, it is Mitt Romney's niece.

Another Trump selection that will bite him in the azz. I am sure he did it to try to get Mitt Romney in his camp but it didn't work.

What has Ronna done against Trump? Every time I look she’s fluffing him like everyone else does.

[Green Arrow]

Maybe so, but if it benefits him not to debate -- he might not debate, for whatever reason. When I first posted the OP, I was thinking it might hurt Trump not to debate, but now, I'm starting to think it might work in his favor. In 2016, neither candidate was an incumbent, so they both really needed to debate, but Trump gets a massive amount of press these days, and Americans already know where he stands on virtually everything. He's not at his best when he's face to face with someone who is attacking him so it might behoove him to sit them out.

The only time he’s at his best is when he sleeps and nobody has to hear from him.

[FindersKeepers]

The only time he’s at his best is when he sleeps and nobody has to hear from him.

Oh now. Maybe he snores really loud and Melania can't sleep.

All seriousness aside, however, at present, Trump's packing the rallies, so somebody likes hearing from him.

[gamewell45]

Can he sit out the debates and still win? And, if he does, what will that say about the democratic candidate?



https://www.oann.com/report-presiden...ction-debates/

I think he should sit out the debates since he feels the dems have no viable candidate.

[FindersKeepers]

I think he should sit out the debates since he feels the dems have no viable candidate.

I think Biden has the best shot at beating Trump, but I don't think any of the other ones would get too far. Then again, Biden isn't any good at debating, either, so if he's the candidate, he might enjoy skipping the debates, too.

[Adelaide]

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of that Donna Brazille from CNN who leaked the debate questions to Hillary ahead of time when she was debating Trump.

Are the debates required? Because if they aren't, it might behoove him not to take part.

The commission may not tap CNN because of that. All Trump would likely have to do is have his team reach out to the GOP, who would reach out to whomever they have on the commission saying CNN would be a no go.

No, I do not think they are required and I think it's an area of weakness for Trump (and he has nothing to gain, only to lose, by doing it). However, and regardless of my personal feelings towards any of the potential debate candidates, it feels wrong to not have someone in contention stand up and have to answer questions. Trump may not have much to gain by participating, but electing not to (particularly for a $#@!ty reason) feels like a slap in the face to the whole process. Debates are important, partially because they are one of the few ways of trying to ensure the public has the information necessary to cast a vote. Most people do not follow the election religiously but will watch part of a debate or see part of a debate at some point. It is one way to help educate the public on the candidates. The debates can also help establish that candidates have certain skills, like public speaking, critical thinking, and so on.

The debates are probably one of the hardest parts of the process, and Trump wants to back out of it? Doesn't read well to me - he may not gain from a debate, but he could lose by not debating at all. It would be a disservice to voters and a disservice to himself, I think.

[Rationalist]

While it is true that a lot of people don't pay much attention to the debates, I think sitting out would be a mistake. Even if the moderation ends up biased, that could end up being something to rally against.

Generally speaking, Trump's base doesn't trust mainstream media, and moderates considering voting for Trump are less likely to trust the media either. However, appearing in the debates will give moderates things to consider regarding voting for him. They can decide on their own if they should vote for him, and many of them will likely notice if the moderation is biased. So, in that respect, bias against Trump might work in his favor for those particular voters.

The debates don't typically change anyone's mind, but they can certainly verify people's suspicions.

[texan]

Can he sit out the debates and still win? And, if he does, what will that say about the democratic candidate?



https://www.oann.com/report-presiden...ction-debates/

Smart move. It puts them on record right now on expectations. Trust me he wants the fight so it will happen. He is just starting to set the rules.

[Green Arrow]

Oh now. Maybe he snores really loud and Melania can't sleep.

I laughed

All seriousness aside, however, at present, Trump's packing the rallies, so somebody likes hearing from him.

Sure. There are people that like Amy Klobuchar, one of the most dull people I have ever encountered. There will always be some people that like it, but overall I’d venture to say most even among his supporters are tired of it.