How Clinton plans to ‘get under Trump’s skin’ in tonight’s debate

Daily News Article   —   Posted on September 26, 2016

(by Nick Allen, London’s Daily Telegraph) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hillary Clinton plans to “get under Donald Trump’s skin” and provoke him into losing his temper in front of 100 million people at the first US presidential debate, but experts warned the strategy could backfire if she descends to her opponent’s level.

Rather than focusing on policy Mrs. Clinton’s campaign has decided to turn the epic showdown on Monday night into a referendum on Mr. Trump’s temperament and character, hoping to goad him into an outburst that will make him look “unhinged,” her allies said.

Any wild reaction by the Republican nominee, who has a history of responding explosively to perceived slights, would be used by Democrats to show he is too volatile to be put in charge of America’s nuclear arsenal.

As details of Mrs Clinton’s strategy leaked Mr Trump vowed he would not take the bait, and would “stay cool” during the clash at New York’s Hofstra University.

Newt Gingrich, the former Republican House Speaker who is helping Mr Trump prepare for the debate, said: “He cannot let Hillary get under his skin.”

Mrs Clinton’s plan includes trying to rile Mr Trump with taunts that he is not worth as much money as he claims, and that he is a liar, xenophobe, and sexist bully.

Reprinted here from London’s Daily Telegraph for educational purposes only.  May not be reproduced on other websites without permission from the Daily Telegraph.

Background

For additional election information, visit the StudentNewsDaily Election 2016 page.

The central focus of a presidential debate should be to provide voters with information they need to measure the suitability of the candidates for the White House.

All debates will take place from 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 and has sponsored all presidential and vice presidential general election debates since 1988.

Visit the Commission on Presidential Debates library to view Presidential Debate History.