Tomorrow night, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will engage in the first in-person debate of the 2024 presidential election season. With new rules distinguishing it from previous debates, attention is focused on each candidate’s performance under the revamped format.
From the earliest days of democracy to modern campaign rallies, politicians have long recognized the importance of a compelling performance to persuade audiences and garner support. USC experts have discussed the history, art, and science of performative politics in anticipation of tomorrow’s debate.
Bob Shrum, director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, commented on campaign strategies: “This year, the Trump campaign has made the mistake of lowering expectations for President Biden. If Biden turns in a good performance, it could go a long way toward allaying questions about his age and whether he is up to the job. And if Trump repeats what he has been doing at his rallies, talking about windmills, sharks and electric motors, without any coherent narrative tying issues together, he is the one who could emerge as someone who can’t be trusted to sit in the Oval Office.” Shrum added that such an outcome could reverse conventional narratives and strengthen Biden’s position. Contact: shrum@usc.edu
Oliver Mayer, an expert in contemporary American theater at USC School of Dramatic Arts, emphasized humor’s role in debates: “A little self-deprecation keeps a candidate humble, and a well-timed zinger and a wry smile can get under an opponent’s skin better than any statistic. The more bombastic the opponent, the more well-timed humor becomes a kind of Kryptonite that zaps their cult of superiority.” Contact: omayer@usc.edu
Christian Grose from USC Dornsife College remarked on visual contrasts between candidates: “An early-stage debate offers a valuable visual contrast between the two candidates: a showman versus a statesman. Biden… gives him an edge over Trump’s showmanship that thrives on an audience.” Grose noted this setting provides Biden with another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities while Trump must prove control despite his unpredictable nature. Contact: cgrose@usc.edu
Ann Closs-Farley from USC Dramatic Arts highlighted fashion’s role as political commentary: “What a candidate chooses to wear will want to make a strong impression conveying certain power, influence and values.” She explained how clothing choices reflect politicians’ messages and approachability based on settings. Contact: clossfar@usc.edu
Christina Bellantoni from USC Annenberg expressed disappointment regarding debate timing: “The first presidential debate historically has been an important kick-off… It is disappointing that it will be held over summer when few are paying attention.” She also criticized its hosting by a network instead of an independent commission. Contact: christina.bellantoni@usc.edu
Martin Kaplan from USC Annenberg discussed media aspects of debates: “Mandatory muting and no audience are this debate’s two best innovations… The whole enterprise remains a cash cow and reputation coup for the hosting network,” critiquing how debates monetize civic life like reality shows. Contact: martyk@usc.edu
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