8 Things to Watch For in the Presidential Debate

  1. Trump complaining that the circumstances surrounding the debate are unfair.

This one is low-hanging fruit. Trump’s already suggested that the media is conspiring against him by scheduling debates on days with NFL games—despite the fact that the debate schedule was decided upon before the NFL schedule was, and by a bipartisan commission.

  1. Trump complaining about moderator/media bias.

There’s a bit of precedent for this one. Still, it’s almost a certainty that at some point Trump will highlight the ways in which the media has conspired against him to secure Clinton victory.

  1. Questions about Trump’s tax returns.

Though Mike Pence released his tax returns on September 9, his outspoken running mate has remained mum. Look for either the moderator or Hillary Clinton to highlight this dearth as evidence of Trump’s lack of transparency.

  1. Questions about the transcripts of Clinton’s Wall Street speeches.

The logical follow-up to the previous. Hillary Clinton’s speeches to Wall Street leaders—which many analysts believe would doom her campaign—have yet to be released. Trump can point to this as evidence that Clinton is in cahoots with Wall Street and thus the ‘establishment.’

  1. Questions about Hillary’s health.

Clinton’s fall on 9/11 was the antithesis of good optics, and it’s practically a foregone conclusion that Trump will attempt to either imply or outright suggest that Clinton’s health is far too poor for a Presidential run.

  1. Clinton’s suggestion that Trump is unfit for the presidency.

It’s not like she hasn’t already.

  1. Trump’s suggestion that Clinton is unfit for the presidency.

For sure.