ATLANTA — The presidential debate in Atlanta on Thursday will showcase President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as they gear up for the November election.
Trump has almost made unpredictable speaking performances part of his brand. However, Biden’s backers are hoping their candidate can steer clear of his occasionally unpredictable tendencies in the Atlanta debate.
David Moskowitz is a true believer in Biden and he is not pumped about Thursday’s debate.
"In order that I don’t really poke my eyes out from this event, I may need to be near somewhere near some alcohol beverage or stimulant to get through the thing," Moskowitz half-joked Wednesday.
Moskowitz said he’s mostly talking about Donald Trump, whose outbursts in previous debates could reappear in Atlanta. It’s a trait that has endeared Trump to his supporters. But Biden’s occasional on-stage gaffes have made some of his backers a bit nervous.
"I’d like Biden, you know, to have a good showing. Not have any verbal gaffes or anything," said James McMakin, a Biden backer.
"We’re trying to save democracy, so I hope he is well prepared," added Jasmine Keith, another Biden supporter.
Age has been in the spotlight for both political figures. Trump is 78, just a few years younger than Biden. And Biden has shown his supporters that at age 81, mangled moments of speech are sometimes just part of his delivery.
"We know what to expect. I’m sure there’ll be a stutter here and there. But that’s just who he is," Moskowitz said.
Both Biden and Trump have been cramming to commit to memory lines of debate rhetoric conjured in lengthy rehearsals.
"I think people need to realize – not focusing on his age but focus on humanizing him. He is human. I struggle with public speaking, you know, and so, we shouldn’t look for him to be perfect," Keith said.
"It comes with the territory," Moskowitz added.