- Apr 8, 2013
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My answer is no. Biden has a wide lead, but also a penchant for verbal gaffes. So does Trump, but that aspect of Trump is baked in at this point. Biden has an advantage in being perceived as a more level headed, solid choice. If he gets into a debate and says one or more stupid things, his lead might shrink.
I think the perception that he's afraid to debate will be a lesser downside then the potential downside of debating. Not much upside either. According to polls, HRC won all three debates and got very little bounce in the polls.
He's in, say, the third quarter right now, is leading by 17 points, and he has the ball, 4th and 2 at the 50 yard line. No sense in going for it. Just punt the ball. If he was down by 17 points, then of course he should go for it. He needs to protect his lead by playing it safe.
I think the perception that he's afraid to debate will be a lesser downside then the potential downside of debating. Not much upside either. According to polls, HRC won all three debates and got very little bounce in the polls.
He's in, say, the third quarter right now, is leading by 17 points, and he has the ball, 4th and 2 at the 50 yard line. No sense in going for it. Just punt the ball. If he was down by 17 points, then of course he should go for it. He needs to protect his lead by playing it safe.