Amid recent videos circulating on social media raising questions about President Biden's mental acuity, low expectations for his upcoming debate against former President Trump could impact his chances of success. However, experts suggest that underestimating Biden could work to his advantage, as he has exceeded expectations in past debates and public appearances.
The upcoming debate will be the first face-off between the two frontrunners, as neither participated in primary debates. Presidential historian Tevi Troy noted that while Biden may not be as sharp as he once was, lowering expectations for his performance could allow him to strategically surpass them.
Concerns about Biden's ability to effectively run against Trump as the incumbent president have also been raised, with dissatisfaction over issues like illegal immigration and inflation. GOP strategists believe that the bar is set so low for Biden that even minor successes are seen as significant by his supporters.
Meanwhile, the White House has dismissed videos questioning Biden's mental acuity as 'cheap fakes,' edited to mislead viewers. The president's cognitive abilities have been a focal point of political discussions following a report suggesting concerns among lawmakers about his mental sharpness.
In a hypothetical matchup against Trump, Biden currently leads by two points, with positive views of the economy on the rise. Recent polls show a slight shift in support towards Biden, marking his highest level of backing in this election cycle.
As the debate approaches, the focus remains on Biden's performance and policy positions, with both candidates aiming to sway undecided voters. The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on the trajectory of the presidential race, as the candidates seek to solidify their positions and appeal to the electorate.
