Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate?

[Blue3]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

It depends on media spin. He's going to apologize, then bring up Clinton's alleged rapes. It should backfire, but then again the media loves a comeback narrative.

[ursulahx]

I think any comeback narrative will be more gradual.

Did the media demand a comeback narrative for Bob Dole in '96?

[Lyin' Steve]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

I don't think anyone in the media is going to play that game at this point.  The measure of whether he won or lost is now set at whether he can recover from this incident, and it seems extremely unlikely.  Simply rambling about how our jobs are going overseas and Obamacare is a disaster isn't going to move the needle.

[Absentee Voting Ghost of Ruin]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

I don't think anyone in the media is going to play that game at this point.  The measure of whether he won or lost is now set at whether he can recover from this incident, and it seems extremely unlikely.  Simply rambling about how our jobs are going overseas and Obamacare is a disaster isn't going to move the needle.

While spending the whole "debate" ranting about Bill Clinton, bimbos, and Benghazi instead of answering questions will tank him for good. And that's what I think he's likely to do.

In theory, a somewhat humbled, genuinely contrite but still fiery and passionate Trump who stuck to his real issue-related strengths (immigration, economy, opposition to foreign wars, and the failures of the current system) without descending into rants, conspiracy theories and personal attacks could gain some major ground. He could even get away with being his usual incredibly vague and blustery self as long as he managed to stay on-topic and away from insults, lies and random craziness.

But I don't think brain- or personality-transplants are here yet, so at absolute best, he answers questions in a mediocre fashion without losing it, has a few good moments,  and doesn't get in any fights with the moderators or audience. That's a very unlikely scenario, and it doesn't get him out of the hole he's in, it just doesn't make it any deeper.

And then in a few days, the next explosion emerges from the flaming dumpster, and by Halloween the hole is so deep you can't even see the fire. All while the GOP establishment is helping Clinton bury him at the bottom.

Unless Clinton dies, goes insane, or  is revealed to have plotted 9/11 with her secret lover,
Ayman al-Zawahiri, she's going to be President.

[Blue3]

Any chance he'll actually be in a somber, reflective mood?

[OneJ]

Any chance he'll actually be in a somber, reflective mood?

He'll be in a pussy grabbing mood that's for sure.

[Erc]

Any chance he'll actually be in a somber, reflective mood?

There's an outside chance he'll be so medicated that he'll be super subdued (for Trump).  Similar to how he appeared in the wee hours yesterday, though it helped there that he obviously was reading a prepared statement off teleprompter.

[Southern Delegate matthew27]

I think if
1. He says he is sorry and that he is a charged man within a tone that is believable.
2. Stays calm
3. Attacks clinton on Bill clinton on his rapes

He will be seen as the winner. Any anger Hillary shows will make her lose.

[Meclazine for Israel]

I cant even imagine what Trump will say to get out of this one.

That is an outrageous amount of pressure.

Not saying he shouldn't face the music, just that CNN will cast him as a front page failure regardless.

[Dr. Arch]

I think if
1. He says he is sorry and that he is a charged man within a tone that is believable.
2. Stays calm
3. Attacks clinton on Bill clinton on his rapes

He will be seen as the winner. Any anger Hillary shows will make her lose.

If he attacks Bill, he'll be done for. HRC's highest approvals were when the whole Bill scandal thing happened.

You can also put money on 1 and 2 happening. If he didn't even seem remotely sorry while on a recording reading off a teleprompter, he's not going to be either sorry or calm with HRC poking at him.

[Middle-aged Europe]

I think he'll start out with a self-critical and apologetic posture.

Question is whether he'll be able to maintain that for the whole duration of 90 minutes. Especially since his whole personality seems to be structered around the credo: If you're attacked, strike back HARDER.

[Mr. Smith]

Probably.

[ApatheticAustrian]

theoretically i could imagine a politican in that situation crying tearfully for forgiveness and winning hearts on television....

but mister trump? hard to imagine.

[Blue3]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

I don't think anyone in the media is going to play that game at this point.  The measure of whether he won or lost is now set at whether he can recover from this incident, and it seems extremely unlikely.  Simply rambling about how our jobs are going overseas and Obamacare is a disaster isn't going to move the needle.

Well, they ARE playing that game at this point.

[Lyin' Steve]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

I don't think anyone in the media is going to play that game at this point.  The measure of whether he won or lost is now set at whether he can recover from this incident, and it seems extremely unlikely.  Simply rambling about how our jobs are going overseas and Obamacare is a disaster isn't going to move the needle.

Well, they ARE playing that game at this point.

Sweet mother of christ our national media is a disgrace

[IceSpear]

Could Trump have such low expectations now that he wins the 2nd debate, just by not yelling the c-word at Hillary or trying to grope females in the audience?

I don't think anyone in the media is going to play that game at this point.  The measure of whether he won or lost is now set at whether he can recover from this incident, and it seems extremely unlikely.  Simply rambling about how our jobs are going overseas and Obamacare is a disaster isn't going to move the needle.

Well, they ARE playing that game at this point.

Sweet mother of christ our national media is a disgrace

You're seriously surprised? lol

They want to manufacture at least one more Trump surge before the end. Gotta get that sweet, sweet horse race ad revenue.

[Mr. Smith]

Called it!

And the next one is Fox News done, we all know how fair that'll be.

Looks like we've got a reverse 2012 on our hands debate wise...

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Called it!

And the next one is Fox News done, we all know how fair that'll be.

Looks like we've got a reverse 2012 on our hands debate wise...

Unlikely. Last cycle Obama had the advantage in the final debate, which was foreign policy-oriented, allowing him to build on his and Biden's wins in the vice-presidential and second debates. This year, Clinton will definitely have the advantage, which should stunt any momentum Trump *might* get from this debate if it's spun in the media as a win for him.