Biden and Trump both see opportunity in June debate, but they’re preparing in different ways

Two presidents have never debated before. And neither of these two presidents has debated anyone in almost four years — not since the last time they faced each other.

Two presidents have never debated before. And neither of these two presidents has debated anyone in almost four years — not since the last time they faced each other. Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are confident they can take the other down in next month’s CNN debate, people who’ve spoken to them said, and each camp is convinced the other’s diminishment from four years ago will be overwhelming to voters throughout 90 minutes of live TV. Both believe the debate could move the needle for that thin slice of undecided voters who don’t like either candidate and are primed to oppose whoever comes across worse. But Biden and Trump are gearing up in very different ways. Between the president’s two multi-day trips scheduled for Europe to commemorate D-Day and for the annual G-7 summit and a fundraising swing to California, Biden aides have plans for extensive prep sessions that will likely include a sequestered stretch, possibly at Camp David. Trump’s advisers, however, insist there have been no formal conversations about preparation for next month’s debate, particularly with the candidate himself. Trump, who is facing the end of his hush money criminal trial in New York next week and waiting for a verdict, has several events and a California fundraising swing of his own planned. Biden aides believe the president’s task on stage will be straightforward: both needling and taunting Trump, and repeatedly calling on his opponent to answer and explain comments he’s made and positions he has taken.