Republican Pollster Worried About Biden-Trump Debate
As Americans gear up to tune in for the highly anticipated presidential debate this Thursday, GOP pollster and communication strategist Frank Luntz expressed his concerns about the potential impact of the candidates’ interactions on the state of democracy in the country.
In an interview on ABC’s “This Week” with Martha Raddatz, Luntz shared his apprehensions, stating, “I’m very nervous about the outcome of this debate. A lot of people are going to watch. A lot of people have made up their minds about the two candidates but haven’t made up their minds whether or not our democracy still works.”
Luntz went on to highlight the risks associated with a contentious and combative debate, referencing the chaos that ensued during the first 2020 debate. He warned that such behavior could potentially lead to the breakdown of the system and undo the foundation of democracy.
Expressing his intention to observe the American public’s reactions closely, Luntz emphasized the importance of assessing whether the debate contributes to further division and discontent or if it has the potential to foster healing and unity.
Leading up to the debate, former President Donald Trump made unfounded claims about Joe Biden using cocaine before his recent State of the Union address and called for Biden to undergo a drug test before the upcoming faceoff. Luntz acknowledged Trump’s prowess in attacking his opponents and expressed interest in observing how Biden responds to these attacks.
Reflecting on the need for civility and decorum in political discourse, Luntz recalled Biden’s retort to Trump during a previous debate, where Biden told Trump to “shut up.” Luntz stressed the importance of respecting the office of the President and urged both candidates to prioritize the values that transcend electoral politics, focusing on the well-being of future generations.
The highly anticipated debate between Biden and Trump is scheduled to air on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET. The event will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash from CNN, offering viewers a pivotal moment to witness the clash of ideas and visions for the future of the nation.
