Trump claims debate ambush as expectations swing wildly
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Former President Trump's campaign is openly brawling with CNN ahead of Thursday's blockbuster presidential debate, warning of a "three against one" ambush that can only favor President Biden.
Why it matters: Trump and his allies are "working the refs" by attacking them — seeking to set expectations early by accusing CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash of anti-Trump bias.
- CNN anchor Kasie Hunt abruptly ended an interview with Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt Monday morning after Leavitt repeatedly tried to raise Tapper's past critical coverage.
- The reaction from MAGA world was swift and deafening, prompting CNN to issue a statement defending Tapper and Bash amid the flood of pro-Trump criticism.
What they're saying: "This proved our point that President Trump will not be treated fairly on Thursday. Yet he is still willing to go into this 3-1 fight to bring his winning message to the American people, and he will win," Leavitt tweeted.
Zoom in: Thursday's prime-time showdown marks the first time in decades that a single TV network — and not the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates — will organize a general election debate.
- The moderators and their role in live fact-checking are under intense scrutiny given Trump's long-running war with CNN and false claims about the 2020 election.
- CNN political director David Chalian told the New York Times that Tapper and Bash would focus on "facilitating the debate between these candidates, not being a participant in that debate."
The big picture: Trump's own rhetoric has fluctuated wildly when it comes to expectations for Thursday night's affair.
- After calling on Biden to debate him "anywhere, anytime, any place" — and saying he'd be "willing to take anybody" as moderator — Trump complained Saturday that the debate format is "like death."
- The former president also suggested last week that Biden would be a "worthy debater," raising expectations after months of claiming his rival could barely walk or form sentences.
- Trump then called on Monday for Biden to take a drug test ahead of the debate, as his allies promoted the baseless conspiracy theory that the president took stimulants for his fiery State of the Union address.
Between the lines: Trump's playbook is well-worn by now: Claim the odds are "rigged" against him — in debates, in elections and in courtrooms — and then ride the outrage if he loses.
The bottom line: Suggesting Democrats could replace Biden as the nominee if he performs poorly, Trump quipped earlier this month: "I'll make sure he stays. I'll lose the debate on purpose, maybe I'll do something like that."
