Before debates, Clinton aims to keep Trump expectations high
By JULIE PACE and KEN THOMAS
Aug. 24, 2016 3:05 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — By virtue of her long political resume, Hillary Clinton will enter her highly anticipated fall debates with Donald Trump facing the same kind of heightened expectations that often saddle an incumbent president. Trump, as the political newcomer, will be more of a wild card with a lower bar to clear.
A month before the first faceoff, Clinton allies are working to prevent that dynamic from turning into an advantage for the Republican nominee.
Boosting debate expectations for her opponent requires a tricky balancing act for Clinton. At the same time she is encouraging Americans to take seriously Trump's controversial policy proposals, including a temporary ban on Muslim immigration and building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, she's painting him as unprepared and temperamentally unfit for the presidency.
"I think on the one hand it's a serious chance for Americans to tune in," Clinton said Monday on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show. "But you've got to be prepared for, like, wacky stuff that comes at you and I am drawing on my experience in elementary school. You know, the guy who pulled your ponytail."
The presidential debates kick off Sept. 26 at New York's Hofstra University. Two additional confrontations will follow in October, along with a vice presidential faceoff between Democratic running mate Tim Kaine, a Virginia senator, and Trump's No. 2, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Clinton's campaign has narrowed in on a candidate to play Trump in practice sessions, though aides are keeping tightlipped about the identity. One aide said it was possible more than one person would be tapped.
"She has to prepare for wild Trump, uncharacteristically mild Trump and something in between," said Bob Shrum, a veteran Democratic consultant who has helped prepare presidential candidates for debates. "She's a terrific debater but you have to get her into a context that she responds to the Trump who actually shows up."
Clinton's preparations are being overseen by experienced Democratic debate experts, including Ron Klain, Karen Dunn and Robert Barnett, all of whom advised President Barack Obama during his debates. They're working out of a rented office in Washington. Top Clinton policy adviser Jake Sullivan is also playing a prominent role, along with other senior campaign officials.
For politicians with relatively little experience on the national stage, debates have often been a welcome opportunity to exceed low expectations.
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http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/5242ea5375f44871a2baa688ec19e70d/eyeing-debates-clinton-aims-keep-trump-expectations-high
