Two hours that could be campaign turning point

This imminent presidential debate could very well be the most decisive two hours of this strange 2016 campaign and determine who will win on Nov. 8.

A lot can happen in the weeks remaining, of course. But Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the two most disliked White House candidates in modern history, each have much to prove – and disprove – under the nationally televised questioning of NBC’s Lester Holt with some 60-plus million watching.

First, Clinton better not cough once.

It’s hard to imagine more dissimilar styles and personalities than these two senior citizens, one of whom could become the oldest ever to take office and the other the second oldest.

Here’s what’s at stake: Trump must appear strong, firm and, above all, presidential. He has much to live down given his brash, braggadocio and sometimes uncouth behavior during the primaries when he nonetheless vanquished 16 far more accomplished, polished and experienced party competitors.

His recent controlled behavior under new campaign advisers has encouraged supporters. And that impromptu foray into foreign affairs, meeting the Mexican president, produced a photo worth a good chunk of Trumps’ reputed fortune.

Unexpectedly, Trump’s task has become easier than hers. He just needs to look reasonable and informed.

Clinton must live up to her reputation, now fanned by the Democrat who defeated her in 2008, as the best-prepared presidential candidate in decades. She must defend a long record as senator and secretary of state, mixed at best.

She has numerous scandals of her own making to confront, including the lethal Benghazi affair, her email mess with its many accompanying lies and her family’s private foundation that did so well financially during her cabinet days.

Clinton must also appear energetic, alert, fully-recovered from her pneumonia – and display no suspicious signs of any other malady. The slightest unexplained pause or wobble will sound instant alarm bells.

No doubt Clinton also plans some verbal bait trying to set Trump off.

As the longtime boss of a personal empire, Trump is unaccustomed to in-your-face challenges. But like Ronald Reagan, the reality celebrity knows what works on camera. And what’s more reality than a real presidential debate?

He must be careful, however, with the dismissive, even crude, condescension he’s displayed toward female competitors like Carly Fiorina or moderators like Fox News’ Megyn Kelly.

Like midterm exams, debates seem crucial at the time, and they could sway many early voters. But they’re rarely decisive. Much campaigning and two more debates await in the remaining days after this confrontation.

Two things, however, are certain: As in the GOP primaries, Trump’s presence will launch TV ratings through the roof. And the Pepcid consumption on both sides will be yuugge.

This story was originally published September 26, 2016 at 5:03 AM with the headline "Two hours that could be campaign turning point."