Takeaways: Trump’s town hall offered preview of debates

WASHINGTON » The coronavirus cannot be wished away. Real people kept it real. Preparation — and the moderator — matters.

President Donald Trump’s town hall in front of undecided Pennsylvania voters offered an intriguing preview of how he may approach his first debate against Demo- cratic nominee Joe Biden in two weeks.

Tuesday night’s event on aides have been eager to shift ABC featured predictable at- focus off the virus, the town tack lines and vague promises hall made clear that the campaign, of policy from Trump. now down to its final But it also showcased, again, seven weeks, has remained a the president’s struggle to effectively referendum on the president defend his handling and the pandemic. of the coronavirus pandemic Here are other takeaways that has claimed the lives of from a night that served as nearly 200,000 Americans. a tantalizing opening act for

And while the president’s the first general election debate on Sept. 29:

DENIALISM

Memorably, Trump said in February that the coronavirus would disappear “like a miracle.” His tone has not changed much seven months later.

The president put himself at odds with some basic scientific facts about the virus, including being dismissive of his own Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strong recommendation for Americans to use face masks.

“There are people that don’t think masks are good,” Trump said, mentioning that waiters have struggled with their face coverings and did not like them.

Trump also tried to counter his admission to journalist Bob Woodward that he had tried to “play it down” when discussing the threat of COVID-19 to Americans earlier this year. Although audio recordings of his comments have been released, Trump said: “Yeah, well, I didn’t downplay it. I actually, in many ways, I up-played it, in terms of action.”

He also, again, offered little acknowledgment of the historical injustices targeted at Black Americans.

“Well, I hope there’s not a race problem,” the president said.

PREPARATION MATTERS

Trump has largely eschewed formal preparation for his debates with Biden, telling aides and allies that he believes his day job sparring with journalists will suffice. And Trump backers saw much that they liked in Trump’s performance Tuesday evening, including an opportunity for the president to make a rare, if uneven, display of empathy.

But, privately, some are worried that Trump will face the same fate as many of his predecessors, who tend to grow complacent in the White House and can become flustered when they face their general-election rival for the first time.

While some have gently advised Trump to study up, the president has largely ignored their advice for now, leaving allies holding their breath for Sept. 29.

LONG-PROMISED POLICY PLANS

“We’re signing a health care plan within two weeks,” Trump said on July 19. It would be introduced

“hopefully, prior to the end of the month,” he told reporters in early August.

No such plan has materialized, and few expect one to arrive before the election.

Trump’s unfulfilled promises came into sharp relief during the town hall as Trump insisted he had a plan — but refused to share its details or explain why he’d waited more than 3 ½ years to unveil it.

“I have it all ready, and it’s a much better plan for you — and it’s a much better plan,” he insisted.