Biden's mission: Don't punch down

[brooklynite]

Politico

For the first time in a Democratic debate, the former vice president will be the central target of a crowded field. He’s preparing to face attacks on everything from his flipflopping on federal abortion funding to his controversial remarks last week citing his work with segregationist Senators James Eastland and Herman Talmadge.

In anticipation, Biden has been studying up for weeks. He has two veteran debate specialists helping him with prep: Anita Dunn and Ron Klain, both of whom assisted in debate prep for Obama.

Among his greatest challenges in practice debate sessions, according to one of Biden’s advisers, was getting sidetracked by jabs from lower tiered contenders.

When that happens, Biden has been coached to avoid conflict and praise his fellow Democrats on stage. The plan is to mention they’re not all that far apart in their ideas, then bring the conversation back to Trump and how Biden is best positioned to take him on. While some Democrats have privately wondered if Biden might verbally stumble on stage in a forgetful or loose-tongued moment, one of his advisers confidently rebutted: “He won’t.”

The former vice president is also being advised to use attacks on his record to his advantage.

[saidsimplesimon]

1. Level the playing field?

Any candidate running for President better have debate skills and a strategy.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. It is not in Joe Biden's DNA TO attack fellow Democrats, just criticism is different.....

And it depends on the tone and words used.

Joe does not disparage others. To disparage is to lose control like Trump does when he does it.

[bluewater]

3. Biden is an excellent debater

Don't underestimate his skills.

[LakeArenal]

4. I'm thinking Joe needs no advice from Politico

[brooklynite]

5. All Politico is offering is the advice of his own advisers.