Donald Trump took aim at President Joe Biden’s debate preparation strategy during a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Saturday. CNN’s Steve Contorno reports.
As President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump square off in the CNN debate next Thursday evening, the most consequential moments will probably revolve around the one-liners the candidates are sure to unleash.
For all the time the candidates spend honing opening statements, memorizing statistics and reciting points of policy, it’s the zingers and awkward gaffes that are likely to be the most important part of the debates.
Like it or not, quips and gaffes have tended to be the most impactful elements of televised presidential debates since they started in 1960, when Sen. John F. Kennedy squared off against Vice President Richard Nixon. While appearances certainly matter, the candidate who delivers the most clever remark, or utters the worst line, stands to move the needle the most.
