Dom Giordano Column - Preparing For The First Debate
PHILADELPHIA (CBS ) -- I'll admit that I really like presidential debates. I like the one on one that produces drama and gaffes. I'd like to see more and lengthier presidential debates.
Some of my desire for more debates is probably due to the fact that I've moderated a good deal of debates. In 1999 I was the moderator of a debate with all eight candidates for mayor of Philadelphia in front of 2,000 people in Northeast Philadelphia. I also was the moderator of the 2012 Republican Pennsylvania senate race at the Union League. I was allowed to probe the candidates in any way that I wished.
It's clear to me that Trump should do well in this debate. He's comfortable in his own skin. When he visited Geno's last week in South Philly, his aides didn't have to worry about some John Kerry/ Mitt Romney gaffe. I think he'll be very comfortable and even enjoy the debate. His challenge is not make wild or reckless statements or insult any large groups. It's fine if he pushes hard against Mrs. Clinton if she attacks him personally.
Mrs. Clinton has the greater challenges. She must avoid a coughing spell or anything else that raises health concerns. She will dominate on policy issues but must avoid coming off as a lawyerly scold.
I'm okay with Lester Holt as the moderator. I don't think he'll try to avoid the criticisms Matt Lauer received at a previous join appearance of the candidates by trying to attack Trump excessively.
A lot of this debate will depend on who wins the social media perception war. I think both sides are geared up to dominate twitter. Both sides will be tweeting out the overall meme that they came in with. Hillary's people will be saying Trump has shown in the debate that he is unfit to be president. Trump's will say she has shown how shady and crooked she is.
I'll be watching all this and hopefully talking with you at the Chris Stigall Debate Watch Party at Chickie and Pete's in South Philly. The doors open at 8:30 and debates are always better with crab fries.
