Ronald Reagan's handlers came up with a brilliant line in his 1980 debate with President Carter. The sentence was simple and clear to the American people: "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"
That one line sealed Jimmy Carter's fate; he had no come back because his administration was disastrous.
Similar situation in 2024. The incumbent Biden is in big trouble.
So, Donald Trump needs such a line during Thursday's debate. He needs a pithy, factual statement. I think I have it.
Somewhere towards the end of the bloviating, when the debate tone has been set, Trump needs to look directly into the camera and say: "I love my country. I wouldn't be doing this if I did not. I realize some Americans don't like me. I understand. But my four years in office strengthened our country, most Americans benefited. And we'll do that again if I can earn your vote. I promise."
That's it. Sincere, even humble. To the point. No bluster. No negatives. Otherwise, Trump can hammer Biden all throughout the debate. But for that one moment, he speaks directly to every citizen in a very personal way.
It's a winner. Ronald Reagan would approve. The Trump haters will gnash their teeth.
See you this evening for the No Spin News.
