Tomorrow is GOP Primary Debate Night!

Will you be watching?

In May, my phone started ringing. After two hours worth of DeSantis debate prep video leaked advising Ron to “be likable,” journalists wanted to know - what’s it like to trade barbs with Ron DeSantis?

This week, Jonathan Swan, Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman of the New York Times broke another debate prep leak, which, once again advised Ron to focus on his humanness. And, once again, my phone began ringing. Journalists from all over the nation are trying to talk to the four people - Fred Costello, Andrew Gallium, Charlie Crist, and me - who have shared the stage with Ron DeSantis.

The first scheduled GOP debate amongst primary hopefuls will be on August 23, 2023, at 9:00 PM (ET). The two-hour debate is being moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, both of Fox News. According to Alex Isenstadt of Politico, participating candidates had to hit specific polling thresholds (2%) and secure campaign contributions from unique donors (50,000). The numbers escalate for future debates. Former President Donald Trump qualified but has opted to sit for an interview with Tucker Carlson rather than appear at the debate.

It’s a traditional format. Moderators will ask questions. Candidates will have a minute to respond with an additional thirty seconds for follow-up as appropriate. Opening statements are not allowed but candidates will have forty-five seconds to close.

With the exception of a League of Women Voters event in 2012, Ron DeSantis has only participated in Lincoln Douglas-style debates during his political life. Knowing that here is what I’ll be looking for tomorrow night.

Where Does Ron Go Mentally?

After that League of Women Voters panel discussion, his GOP opponents complained that Ron was relying on his phone to prepare himself to answer. It was, of course, nonsense. However, it has been well-reported that Ron checks out mentally when it’s not his turn to shine. With this many folks vying for attention, I’ll be watching if Ron attempts to hog the spotlight, stay engaged in what’s happening around him, or if he goes inward. Any choice he makes has risks but given that his comfort zone is mental isolation and given his terrible track record of going off script; my guess is - as the leaked debate prep documents recommended - he is being advised to resist the urge to interrupt anyone.

How Sensitive Are His Ribs?

Chris Christie is Tri-State through and through. Smart, quick-witted, fast-talking, and master of the zinger. That’s not Ron. I have never heard anyone refer to Ron as good-humored and certainly not funny. Chris will definitely rib Ron and Ron will have three choices. He can laugh it off, he can ignore it or he can react. My guess is he will not just react but overreact.

How Much Mimicking Is Too Much?

As a child, Ron mimicked the mannerisms and inflection of Richard Nixon. As a politician, people have taken note that Ron mimics the mannerisms and speech patterns of Donald Trump. On camera, he definitely runs the risk of accentuating this modeling behavior and that will not just be annoying but it will be footage gold for opponents. He is going to have to control his propensity to put hand-to-face, which is gross and spotlights his nasal tone.

Can He Balance His IQ With His EQ?

Ron cherishes his persona as the “smartest kid in the class.” His photographic memory and his ability to consume information is the go-to quote for the people who work for him. But it’s hard to display your brilliance in one-minute soundbites under the glare of hot stage lights. My guess is his low EQ will take center stage in a display of disdain, temper, and ego. And he won’t be able to stop it from happening.

What About You? What Will You Be Watching For?

Read the New York Times article in full.