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As Donald Trump gears up for a critical debate against President Joe Biden, his advisers are pushing him to concentrate on pressing issues such as inflation, crime, and immigration. They believe focusing on these topics, where he has a perceived advantage, will resonate with voters. Despite the advice, there's concern about Trump deviating into off-topic rants. His team is working to manage expectations, especially given Trump's mixed past debate performances. They are also navigating media narratives and speculation about potential announcements, like his vice-presidential pick, to maintain control over the debate discourse.

In the lead-up to a potentially pivotal debate, Donald Trump's advisers are urging him to zero in on economic concerns, crime, and immigration, areas where they believe he can capitalize on voter frustrations. This strategic focus aims to contrast sharply with President Joe Biden's record, highlighting the perceived chaos under the current administration. However, Trump's known penchant for straying into unrelated grievances poses a challenge for his campaign team, who are keenly aware of the high stakes and the need for a disciplined performance.

Focus on Key Issues

Advisers are adamant that Trump should prioritize talking points that address everyday struggles of Americans. Economic challenges, particularly inflation, remain a critical area. Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller emphasized this during a recent call, citing inflation, crime by undocumented immigrants, and border security as pressing concerns. Polls indicate that Trump holds an advantage over Biden in these areas, making them strategic focal points for the debate.

Crime and immigration are particularly contentious issues that resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. Trump’s camp plans to highlight the surge in crime rates and border security lapses as failures of the Biden administration. This narrative is expected to be a cornerstone of Trump’s argument for a return to his policies, which he claims were more effective in maintaining order and security.

Handling International Issues

Beyond domestic concerns, Trump’s team is also prepping him to address the international landscape. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the renewed violence between Israel and Hamas are seen as critical issues to underscore the Biden administration's perceived inability to maintain global stability. Rep. Mike Waltz, a staunch Trump supporter, pointed out the contrast between the current global chaos and what he describes as a more stable international environment during Trump's tenure.

Debate Strategy and Preparation

Despite the emphasis on critical issues, there is apprehension about Trump’s debate approach. His 2020 debates were marked by aggressive tactics that many believe backfired, leading to a dip in his poll numbers. Trump himself acknowledged his overly aggressive stance in the first 2020 debate and suggested he might adopt a different approach this time. However, his tendency to go off-script remains a concern for his advisers.

The team has been revisiting the 2020 debates to refine strategies. They are wary of Trump’s propensity to dominate the conversation, sometimes to his detriment, and are encouraging a more measured approach. This preparation includes anticipating questions on sensitive topics like abortion and the January 6 Capitol riot, with a plan to pivot back to core issues where Trump feels he has the upper hand.

Managing Expectations and Media Narratives

In the run-up to the debate, Trump's team has been trying to temper expectations. They have been portraying Biden as a formidable opponent while simultaneously critiquing media coverage and the debate format. This dual strategy aims to lower the bar for Trump's performance and prepare the ground for explaining any potential missteps during the debate.

Interestingly, Trump’s advisers have also been seeding speculation about his vice-presidential pick, suggesting an early announcement could be on the cards. While senior advisers downplay the likelihood of such an announcement this week, they have not ruled out the possibility, leaving room for Trump to change his mind. This speculation serves to divert attention from less favorable discussions and keeps the media and public guessing.

Comparing Campaign Strategies

The contrasting preparation strategies of Trump and Biden are also noteworthy. While Biden has been preparing intensively at Camp David, Trump has continued his campaign activities and fundraisers. He has openly mocked Biden’s intense preparation, suggesting it indicates a lack of natural ability. Trump argues that his own experience and common sense negate the need for extensive debate prep, a sentiment he echoed in a recent interview.

However, as the debate approaches, Trump’s team recognizes the need for a more focused approach. They have subtly shifted their narrative to acknowledge Biden's debate skills, aiming to elevate the perception of Biden’s preparedness and thus make Trump’s performance appear stronger by comparison.

The Debate Environment

One of the unique aspects of this debate is the absence of a live audience. Trump, known for feeding off the energy of crowds, has expressed concerns about debating in a sterile, audience-free environment. His advisers, however, see this as an advantage, hoping it will help Trump stay on message without the distraction of crowd reactions.