Jen Psaki: Biden’s big Trump debate opportunity

POTUS can use the showdown to his advantage

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki Saturday, May 18, 2024 How Biden can use the debate showdowns to his advantage  By Jen Psaki In quick succession on Wednesday morning, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to two presidential debates ahead of November.   There's ample reason to doubt these debates will actually happen, given that Trump is a prolific excuse-maker and notoriously unpredictable. Remember, he famously backed out of the second 2020 presidential debate in October and was a no-show to all of the Republican primary debates this cycle. And Trump's daughter-in-law, Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, is already sounding skeptical, claiming without evidence that the debates are rigged against him.   But if they do move forward, Team Biden will be looking to take advantage wherever it can.    The first debate is scheduled to happen in just six weeks, on June 27. It will mark the first time that two presumptive nominees have ever faced-off in a presidential debate before their respective party conventions.   While debates rarely predict the outcome of an election, they do offer an opportunity to shake things up in a campaign. For Biden, this is a moment to needle Trump and get under his skin in the same way the campaign has started doing on social media and in some presidential speeches.    And it's an opportunity to clear up false impressions among the least engaged voters (like the 17% of Americans who wrongly believe that Biden, not Trump, is responsible for overturning Roe, according to a recent New York Times poll).    Yes, Trump will lie. And he will be almost impossible to fact check on the stage. But for the Biden team the debates are still a rare opportunity to show the American public just who they are choosing between this year.    Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here. And tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC. TOP STORIES STEVE BENEN House Democrats use Comer's own words to blow up the GOP's partisan stunt Democrats said James Comer is seeking the Biden/Hur audio recording as part of a partisan scheme. His own letter proved Democrats right. Read more. SARAH POSNER The sneaky, spiteful new way Republicans are working to undermine LGBTQ groups The House GOP has doubled down on efforts to shut off funding to LGBTQ nonprofits. Read more.  JARVIS DEBERRY Roger Fortson's death illustrates a deadly paradox for Black gun owners Reports show that for a variety of reasons — ranging from blatantly racist political unrest to a vague dread ushered in by Covid — more Black Americans have chosen to arm themselves. Read more.  MONIKA WIELAND SHIELDS I study killer whales. The so-called 'orca uprising' is just a misunderstanding. The real question is: Why have so many wanted to join 'Team Orca' in the supposed uprising against humanity? Read more.         TOP VIDEOS CHRIS JANSING REPORTS David DePape sentenced to 30 years for hammer attack on Paul Pelosi WATCH NOW ALL IN 'Utter disrespect': Sen. Blumenthal rips Justice Alito's 'bias' after flag scandal WATCH NOW ALL IN 'Bizarre': Lauren Boebert says Trump 'looks pretty while he sleeps' in court WATCH NOW THE BEAT WITH ARI See why Trump's lawyer landed jabs but no 'knockout' on Michael Cohen WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC On Monday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis joins Rachel Maddow in an exclusive interview ahead of Tuesday's primary election in Georgia. Watch "The Rachel Maddow Show" Monday at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC. Tomorrow, MSNBC Films presents "Battleground Georgia," the latest installment of "The Turning Point" documentary series from Executive Producer Trevor Noah. The film breaks down the complex history of voting across the South and how Georgia came to lead the charge in this pivotal political moment. Watch "Battleground Georgia" tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC. MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community. This weekend on MSNBC SATURDAY MSNBC's "The Weekend" at 8am ET: Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.)… Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) MSNBC's "Ayman" at 7pm ET: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.)… Jocelyn Frye… Lily Greenberg Call SUNDAY MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki" at 12pm ET: Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)… Philippe Reines… Jordan Klepper MSNBC's "Alex Witt Reports" at 1pm ET: Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.)… Rev. Al Sharpton… Mike Hixenbaugh MSNBC Films presents "Battleground Georgia" at 9pm ET *Subject to change 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE