Would John Stewart’s Presidential Debate Win Trump or Humiliate Him?
Imagine a scenario where the legendary comedian, John Stewart of The Daily Show, enters the presidential race and a debate contest takes place. Would he embarrass Trump or win? The answer is neither. In reality, political "debates" often do not produce clear winners and losers. It's more indicative of gaffes rather than a comprehensive victory.
Debates: Not a True Test of Competence
Anyone who has engaged in formal debate, or participated in such debates, knows that what happens on television is not a true debate. Political "debaters" often ignore the rules, talking over each other or avoiding questions altogether. The purpose is not to engage in a thorough discussion; it's to repeat talking points endlessly.
Debates rarely have cross-examination, fact-checking, or adjudication. There is little to no structure, and in most cases, they merely reinforce the existing opinions of those who have already decided to vote for one candidate. Therefore, it's unlikely that a comedian like Stewart would emerge as a clear winner or loser.
John Stewart's one-liners and clever quips, while entertaining, would fall short of delivering a substantive victory:
"Oh, Stewart would land a few good one-liners but he likely wouldn’t win. And he likely wouldn’t lose."
Entertainment Value Over Substance
It would be highly entertaining to watch Stewart versus a Republican nominee. The idea is compelling, and I would gladly pay to see such a debate unfold. However, given the current political landscape, it is highly unlikely that Donald Trump would engage in such a debate with Stewart.
Trump’s reluctance to debate is rooted in the realistic fear that he would be exposed as a fool. Trump has not performed at the level of skilled orator as presented in his previous public speaking engagements.
"Trump will not debate Biden. He knows Biden will make him look like a fool in the pitiless light of public scrutiny."
A Weapon of Humiliating Precision
Biden, known for his skilled and confident public speaking, would use the opportunity to target Trump's weaknesses. Watching a Biden-Donald debate would not be a mere show; it would likely become a weapon of humiliating precision. Trump's stumbling and stuttering speech during the White House Correspondents' Dinner highlights his vulnerability.
"Go take a look at Biden’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner speech. You see a man who is old and stuttering just a little in places is still in full use of his faculties – funny, self-deprecating, and with a sense of comic timing."
Biden could exploit Trump's cognitive decline early on, using it as a devastating weapon to further undermine his credibility:
"TRUMP CANNOT PERFORM AT THAT LEVEL. Maybe he never could – he never fronted up at the Dinner while President after all."
Conclusion: A Debacle for Trump
The debate format, while entertaining, would likely result in Trump's embarrassment. He would be humiliated on a national stage, forcing him to face the harsh reality of political failure. On the other hand, Jon Stewart, while not a political heavyweight, would bring humor and flair to the debate but may not change the outcomes for the better.
Therefore, the debate would primarily serve to highlight Trump's vulnerability and Stewart's entertainment value, rather than any strategic or political victory.