The co-hosts of ABC's "The View" offered President Biden advice on how to handle former President Trump during their upcoming debate, warning that Trump could raise concerns about Biden's son, Hunter.
Ahead of the highly anticipated presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the co-hosts of ABC's "The View" have weighed in on the strategies both candidates need to employ for success. Among their discussions, one key concern emerged: the potential for Trump to raise questions about Biden's son, Hunter.
The View Co-Hosts Advise Biden on Trump Debate: Hunter Biden Question Could Be 'Trigger Point'
Co-host Joy Behar expressed her apprehension, stating, "What if Trump says something about his son, about Biden's son — that's a trigger point?" This concern stems from the ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden's business dealings, which Republicans have seized upon as a line of attack against the president.
However, co-host Sunny Hostin expressed confidence in Biden's ability to rise above any such attempts at distraction. "I think Biden is a real statesman, and I think he will rise to that occasion. And we know who Trump is. He's a convicted felon."
The View Co-Hosts Advise Biden on Trump Debate: Hunter Biden Question Could Be 'Trigger Point'
Co-host Ana Navarro agreed that going after Hunter Biden could be a risky move for Trump. "You know something? If Donald Trump goes after Hunter Biden, he does it at his own peril," she said. "It's few American families that haven't been touched by the scour [sic] of addiction, including the Trump family. He has a brother who died of addiction."
Trump's brother, Fred Trump Jr., passed away in 1981 due to alcoholism. In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump expressed sympathy for Biden over his son's struggles with addiction, saying, "It's a very tough situation for a father. It's a very tough situation for a brother or sister, and it goes on, and it's not stopping, whether it's alcohol or drugs or whatever it may be."
The View Co-Hosts Advise Biden on Trump Debate: Hunter Biden Question Could Be 'Trigger Point'
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin advised that Trump could have a successful debate by appearing "not crazy" and focusing on substantive policy issues. Navarro added that if Biden simply shows up and remains alert, he will have achieved a victory, as it would counter the conservative narrative of his cognitive decline.
"I think the Republicans and Trump and his minions have done themselves such a disservice with all of these edited cut and splice videos spreading around of Biden seeming lost and decrepit," she said. "They've lowered the bar so that if Joe Biden shows up and doesn't keel over on his way to the podium, he's had a good night."
Sarah Haines suggested that Biden could rattle Trump by discussing issues that evoke strong emotions in the former president. "You could stay the more, like, regular person and be the contrast to his crazy, just by talking about some of the things that enrage him. Talk about who won the election," she said.
Hostin cautioned against Biden resorting to mockery in his attacks on Trump, arguing that this tactic would play into Trump's strengths. "I would prefer he doesn't mock him because mocking is Donald Trump's weapon," she said. "He does it well. Let him do that. Beat him on calm topics that will just make him lose his mind."
It remains to be seen whether Trump will indeed raise concerns about Hunter Biden during the debate. However, the co-hosts of "The View" have provided valuable insights into the potential strategies and vulnerabilities that both candidates can expect to encounter. The debate is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 22.
