Independent voters will be closely watching the upcoming presidential debate, with a focus on answers from President Joe Biden regarding his health, inflation, and open borders policies, according to a Reuters focus group. The scheduled rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump is expected to draw significant attention as it marks the first time the two have faced off since Biden assumed control of the federal government.
Under Biden’s regime, prices have soared by approximately 20%, and more than 1.7 million known “gotaways,” or illegal immigrants who managed to evade Border Patrol, have entered the country. The debate rules are said to favor Biden; however, voters will be paying close attention to see if he offers coherent responses to pressing issues such as soaring costs and seemingly unending migration.
The focus group consisted of seven men and eight women from key battleground states, with diverse age groups, political affiliations, and ethnic backgrounds. Nine out of the individuals were previous Biden voters who expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership; three others had mixed feelings about Trump but did not consider him a viable alternative choice.
Mental fitness is a crucial concern for these undecided voters, who will be observing how well each candidate thinks on their feet during the debate. Biden’s management of the economy and his handling of inflation are also significant topics of discussion. Additionally, mass migration continues to be a pressing issue among focus group members.
Voter Rich Liebig, a 35-year-old from Pennsylvania who voted for Biden in both 2016 and 2020, questioned the president’s agenda for tackling inflation if he secures a second term, expressing concerns over his ability to serve another four years.
Telecommunication program manager ShaRon Johnson Bynum, aged 59, from North Carolina, who voted against Trump in both elections, said that the debate could reveal whether or not Biden is “mentally and physically able to do the role.” Ashley Altum, a voter who chose twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden in 2020, emphasized the need for better control over the border.
Biden is set to spend most of the week preparing for the debate alongside his former chief of staff. Some Republicans have criticized the amount of time devoted to this preparation; however, others believe that he should not be underestimated.
According to Fox News’ Dana Blanton, Biden has emerged as the frontrunner in a hypothetical matchup against Trump for the first time since October, with positive views of the economy reaching their highest level during his presidency. The debate is expected to be co-hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper, a strong Trump critic known for making harsh claims about the former president.
The upcoming presidential debate will undoubtedly serve as an important platform for independent voters to gauge the candidates’ positions on key issues such as inflation and border control. As Biden prepares to face off against Trump once again, it remains to be seen whether he can effectively address these concerns and secure their support.