In the upcoming debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, viewers are eager to hear about the candidates’ plans for the country and their accomplishments as president, rather than just critiques of each other. This reflects a desire for substantive discussion and policy-focused dialogue rather than personal attacks or mudslinging.
One key concern for viewers is the mental and cognitive health of the candidates. This issue has been raised in previous polls, with voters expressing varying levels of concern about both Biden and Trump. It will be important for the candidates to demonstrate their sharpness and clarity during the debate to reassure voters of their fitness for office.
While there is general agreement on what viewers want to hear from the candidates, there is divergence on how they should convey their messages. Democrats are looking for Biden to take a more forceful tone, while Republicans prefer Trump to adopt a more polite approach. These differing expectations reflect the partisan divides in the electorate and highlight the challenges the candidates face in appealing to a broad audience.
Despite many voters claiming they have already made up their minds about the election, there are still some who are undecided and looking to the debate to help them make a decision. This is particularly true for younger voters, who may be more open to persuasion and may be swayed by the candidates’ performance on the debate stage.
There are indications that Democrats are feeling more apprehensive than Republicans about the debate. Democrats are less confident that Biden will “win” the debate and believe he needs to avoid mistakes more than Trump does. Additionally, fewer Democrats than Republicans plan to watch the debate live, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or confidence in their candidate.
Overall, voters nationwide overwhelmingly believe that Trump should adopt a more polite tone in the debate, including a majority of his own party. On the other hand, most Democrats want to see Biden take a forceful approach in his remarks. These expectations reflect the differing perceptions of the candidates and the strategies they believe will be most effective in winning over voters.
In terms of expectations for the debate outcome, more voters anticipate Trump will emerge as the victor. Republicans are more confident in Trump’s performance than Democrats are in Biden’s. Independents also lean towards Trump winning the debate, though a significant portion remain unsure of the outcome.
Both candidates will need to accomplish similar goals in the debate, including explaining their plans for the future and inspiring confidence in their leadership. Biden is seen as needing to avoid mistakes more than Trump, particularly by Democratic voters. Key issues such as the economy, inflation, democracy, crime, and the border are expected to be top priorities for voters, so viewers will be looking to see how the candidates address these pressing concerns.
Overall, the debate could have a significant impact on undecided voters and those looking for reassurance about the candidates’ abilities. By focusing on policy discussions, showcasing their leadership qualities, and addressing key issues, Biden and Trump can make a compelling case for their candidacy and potentially sway voters in their favor.
