There’s no one else quite like Donald Trump.
What other candidate in American history would start polling his audience, live, as Trump did this weekend in Philadelphia, on what his debate strategy against President Biden should be?
“How should I handle him? Should I be tough and nasty?” Trump said, then took on a comically tough-guy voice.
“Should I be tough and nasty and just say, ‘You’re the worst president in history’?”
The crowd roared.
“Or should I be nice and calm …”
Boos rained down.
“… and let him speak?”
Let no one accuse The Post of taking Trump literally but not figuratively. We know it was a bit. Trump loves to get the crowd involved, presenting politics as a wrestling match.
The debate question was meant to fire up the crowd — and, as a bonus, drive MSNBC pundits bananas.
But, Mr. President, if you’ll allow us to take that question at face value for a moment, we have a few thoughts.
The first is that a MAGA rally crowd is not the people you should be polling. Of course they’re going to want tough and nasty Trump. They love tough and nasty Trump.
They’re also going to vote for you no matter what tone you take in the debate.
Ask instead: What do independent voters want?
You spent much of your 2020 campaign shoring up a base that didn’t need convincing. Don’t make the same mistake this time around.
There are millions of Americans who are upset with Biden, but need reassurance that bringing back Trump doesn’t mean four years of chaos and drama.
You know the first debate in 2020 went awry. You were too angry, too hot, and interrupted too much.
Biden can’t form a sentence without making ridiculous claims, messing up names, forgetting where he is. Allow him! “Letting him speak” is to your advantage.
A Trump rally is full of people angry about where the country is today. But most Americans don’t just want someone who shares their anger, they want the promise of a happy future and stability.
They want someone who can deliver a little normalcy. Government that isn’t pushing radical change. An economy that works for them. Optimism.
To that end, let’s talk about the elephants in the room.
CNN will invariably give Biden an advantage, by talking about the topics he wants to highlight. Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen? Will you pardon the January 6 rioters?
The best answer is the true one: That’s not what most voters care about. I’m not here to talk about it.
A Gallup poll in March asked Americans what their top concerns were and they answered: inflation, crime, homelessness, health care, the budget deficit and immigration.
By stressing those issues, not only do you put voters first, but you point out the hypocrisy of journalists who don’t have their priorities straight.
And we know how much you like to show up the media.
Don’t get played. Every time you’re talking about yourself, you’re giving Biden and CNN exactly what they want. Talk to, and about, the voters.
You’re a New Yorker, so we understand that your instinct is go to bare-knuckled. But the voters you need to win over don’t want vows of retribution, of prosecuting Biden or ripping apart the legal system.
You have a chance to take the high ground here, and Americans — exhausted by the prospect of an endless cycle of tit-for-tat lawfare — are desperate for it.
Another topic Biden and his media allies will want to spend an entire debate on: abortion.
You have noted that all states now get to decide for themselves. All women will be — and should be — heard on the issue.
But you can also ask the question the media never ask Biden. Where does he draw the line? Does he favor any restrictions? Is his position really in line with most people?
In fact, this debate is a chance to show Americans just how radical Joe Biden is on every issue.
Is there any limit to the number of people allowed to cross the border? Is there any bill that spends too much money? Whom does he trust more — teacher unions or parents?
The facts are damning — stick to them.
Remember this number: 19.4%.
That’s how much prices are up since Biden took office, according to the Consumer Price Index. Groceries. Gas. Eating out. Going on vacation. Everything costs nearly 20% more.
This is the figure that voters care about most, and one that no fact checker can try to smugly dismiss.
One doesn’t need to be dirty to be effective. Say it directly and it will be devastating.
You shouldn’t be tough and nasty. We don’t expect you to be nice and calm.
But you know what wins? Calm and tough.