It’s the high wire act of the presidential campaign — the debate stage — where mere seconds can make or break campaigns.
For weeks now, many of the 2016 Republican candidates have been locked in intensive preparation, refining their lines and honing strategies to deal with the ever unpredictable and seemingly unstoppable Donald Trump.
Wednesday night’s GOP presidential debate, sponsored by CNN, will determine whether the preparation has paid off. The performances by the candidates on stage at the Reagan Presidential Library could determine whether the campaigns enjoy fresh energy after the debate — or face even stronger headwinds that could doom their chances. And perhaps most importantly, the debate will showcase whether any of the Republicans have the ability to stump Trump.
When it comes to delivering the artful jab or the perfect punch, many candidates would be well served by looking to debates past.
Two of the most famous debate moments—Michael Dukakis’s flubbed answer on the death penalty and Lloyd Bentsen’s famous take down of Dan Quayle — provide a window into the kind of mistakes candidates must avoid Wednesday night to come out on top.
At the same time, veteran strategists from both parties say Trump has completely redefined the rules of the political debate — ushering in an era when statesmanship is out and the rules of professional wrestling may well apply.
Get ready for the fight.