MSNBC host Alex Wagner expressed concerns over President Biden's "structural disadvantage" in the upcoming presidential debates, highlighting the higher standards he faces compared to his GOP rival, former President Trump.
MSNBC host Alex Wagner has raised concerns about the upcoming presidential debates, expressing worries that President Biden may face a "structural disadvantage" due to the higher standards he is held to compared to his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
Wagner's remarks came during her Saturday night program, where she discussed a recent column by The New Yorker's Susan Glasser that argued Trump's rambling speeches at his rallies were evidence of his "age-related decline." Wagner noted that Trump's incoherent ramblings do not receive the same level of media scrutiny as reports critical of Biden's age and mental fitness.
Biden Faces "Structural Disadvantage" in Upcoming Debate Amid Scrutiny of Age and Mental Fitness
"It already feels like the bar that is set for Biden to clear is so much more substantially higher than the one Trump has to clear," Wagner said. "Which is literally, 'Is he alive?' 'Is he standing?' 'Are there words coming out of his mouth?'"
Glasser agreed with Wagner's assessment, saying that Trump's supporters do not hold him to the same standards as other public officials. "The challenge with running against Trump for Biden is it's not really a head-to-head contest in which they're both being judged in the same terms," Glasser said.
Biden Faces "Structural Disadvantage" in Upcoming Debate Amid Scrutiny of Age and Mental Fitness
Wagner balked at a statement made by Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, who claimed that Trump was prepared for the debates because he "takes on numerous tough interviews every single week and delivers lengthy rally speeches while standing, demonstrating elite stamina."
"It's almost like what he says is beside the point," Wagner said. "The fact he's up there standing, still talking is enough, the Trump team thinks, to placate anyone or dissuade them from thinking he's somewhat adult. And thus far, they seem to be right."
Biden Faces "Structural Disadvantage" in Upcoming Debate Amid Scrutiny of Age and Mental Fitness
The MSNBC host questioned whether Biden could overcome this perceived disadvantage in the media before the upcoming debate on June 27. Glasser noted that Biden faces a "tougher task" than Trump due to the former president's ability to tailor his message to his supporters, who do not hold him accountable to the same standards as other public officials.
Wagner's concerns highlight the challenges facing Biden in the upcoming debates, as he will need to address questions about his age and mental fitness while also countering Trump's attacks and appealing to a wider audience. The debate is expected to be a critical moment in the campaign as the candidates seek to define the remaining months of the election.
