Before debates, Clinton aims to keep Trump expectations high
WASHINGTON (AP) — By virtue of her long political resume, Hillary Clinton will enter her highly anticipated fall debates with Donald Trump facing the same kind of heightened expectations that often saddle an incumbent president.
[...] she is encouraging Americans to take seriously Trump's controversial policy proposals, including a temporary ban on Muslim immigration and building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, she's painting him as unprepared and temperamentally unfit for the presidency.
Two additional confrontations will follow in October, along with a vice presidential faceoff between Democratic running mate Tim Kaine, a Virginia senator, and Trump's No. 2, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Clinton's preparations are being overseen by experienced Democratic debate experts, including Ron Klain, Karen Dunn and Robert Barnett, all of whom advised President Barack Obama during his debates.
Top Clinton policy adviser Jake Sullivan is also playing a prominent role, along with other senior campaign officials.
For politicians with relatively little experience on the national stage, debates have often been a welcome opportunity to exceed low expectations.
Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for Obama who helped with the president's debate preparations, said Trump's unpredictability "makes him incredibly difficult to prepare for."