RMIT experts available for comment on final US presidential debate
Experts from RMIT University are available to talk to media about the final US presidential debate on 22 October.
Associate Professor Aiden Warren (0420 315 003 or aiden.warren@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: US politics, Trump administration, US foreign policy, NATO
“The Commission on Presidential Debates has announced that Democratic candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump will have their microphones muted during sections of the second and final presidential debate on Thursday.
“The change attracted a quick reproach from Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh who argued that the decision from the commission is an attempt to provide advantage to their favoured candidate.
“Given Trump’s penchant to rattle, bully and belittle his opponents in the debate arena, the mute factor will most certainly impact his tactical approach.
“Trump has interestingly bemoaned the fact that the debate will not focus extensively on foreign policy.
“Across the last week some pundits have been pointing to a potential ‘blue wave’, noting that 2020 polling is much more sophisticated and accurate than in 2016.
“Less than two weeks out from the election, the debate and coinciding rallies are a last ditch effort by the Trump camp to garner some much needed traction.”
Dr Aiden Warren is an Associate Professor at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies and is the 2018-19 Fulbright Scholar in Australia-United States Alliance Studies. His expertise includes international security and relations, US national security and foreign policy, US politics and arms control. His latest book is on US foreign policy and China.
Dr Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: US history, US politics, Trump administration
“This Friday, Australian time, Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee will host the final presidential debate in what has been one of the most extraordinary presidential campaigns in modern American history.
“As he tanks in the polls, President Donald Trump will be hoping for a game changer. But given that over 30 million Americans have already voted, it seems unlikely this final debate will change many minds.
“This election is instead about mobilisation, with both Democrats and Republicans hoping to boost turnout in the final stretch.
“Friday's debate will set the tone for the final two weeks of this critical election. It takes place in a democracy under threat.
“Last time, Donald Trump told white supremacist groups to ‘stand by’, and he has repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power.
“If nothing else, this debate will underscore just how close the United States is to the edge of the cliff.”
Dr Emma Shortis is a Research Officer at the EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT University. She was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University during her PhD in history, is a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US and co-host of RMIT’s politics and culture podcast Barely Gettin’ By.
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