During a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, political analyst John Dickerson joined the host to discuss the ongoing debates and the impact of removing the audience. The conversation quickly turned to President Trump‘s admission of defeat, followed by his later backtrack on the issue.
Dickerson emphasized the importance of free and fair elections and expressed concern over the president’s tendency to manipulate the narrative for his own advantage. He noted that Trump’s wavering stance on his defeat is a delicate matter, given its significance in a constitutional government where peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone. Dickerson even speculated that the president may face pushback from his own supporters who have faced legal consequences on his behalf.
As someone who has moderated debates in the past, Dickerson also shared his insights on the absence of a live audience. He mentioned that for Trump, the audience serves as oxygen, providing him with feedback and cues. Without this immediate response, Dickerson suggested that Trump may struggle to establish a similar rapport with the moderators. Drawing from personal experience, he likened the absence of an audience to a dark time, highlighting the importance of hearing laughter and receiving strong feedback in such settings.
The conversation then shifted towards the significance of the debates themselves. While debates are often considered to have limited impact, Dickerson acknowledged that some debates can be decisive. He explained that certain moments in debates can expose a candidate’s vulnerabilities or drastically alter public perception. In the case of the recent debates, with one candidate facing internal party issues and the other aiming to establish greater recognition, these debates held particular weight. Dickerson concluded that while debates generally have limited importance, there are instances, like the current one, when they do matter significantly.
The thought-provoking discussion with John Dickerson provided viewers with valuable insights into the dynamics of the debates and the significance they hold. For more analysis from John Dickerson, make sure to tune in to CBS mornings tomorrow morning.
