Ground Game: Thursday’s presidential debate, a potential second term for Trump, and Democratic discontent

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Plus, what a second Trump administration could look like, and Democratic discontent over Netanyahu’s pending Capitol Hill visit{beacon}

By Meg Kinnard

June 24, 2024 08:40:47 AM

By Meg Kinnard

June 24, 2024 08:40:47 AM

  

It's almost time for the first presidential debate. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump enter Thursday night's face-off with tremendous opportunity – and tremendous risk.

Welcome to this week’s edition of AP Ground Game.

 

THE HEADLINES

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, right, answers a question as President Donald Trump listens during the second and final presidential debate Oct. 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool, File)

High stakes in Thursday’s presidential debate

Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts with serious charges in three other indictments still pending. As president, he nominated three of the justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and erode abortion access in America, creating a backlash even in conservative-led states. And the presumptive Republican nominee has outlined sweeping second-term plans that include promises of retribution against political enemies in both parties.

Those are major political liabilities. Yet the big question for Biden — fairly or not — is whether he has the physical and mental capacity at 81 years old to press the case against Trump. Perhaps nothing matters more in Thursday's debate than the level of energy and strength the Democratic incumbent projects on stage.

Trump has an opportunity with persuadable swing voters and moderates who fueled Biden’s victory