The U.S. Election Campaign

The latest CNN poll shows Donald Trump and Joe Biden tied in battleground states –those states whose voters actually elect presidents through their votes in the Electoral College.

This is disconcerting news for the Biden campaign, as it indicates that Trump may well have a chance of winning the presidency despite his dismal record and abhorrent personality.

This will not be an election based on policy but, rather, on character.

Biden’s character and Trump’s character. But mostly, the character of the American voter who will decide between both men.

“Character is on the ballot,” Biden said at the end of the Democrat convention. “Compassion is on the ballot. Decency, science, democracy. They are all on the ballot.”

“At no time before,” Trump said at the end of the Republican convention, “have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies or two agendas.”

Yet it appears that Trump and Biden supporters live in two universes, and not necessarily parallel.  

They have totally opposed values and ideas and manage their work and lives according to totally different values. They have diametrically opposed visions of where the U.S. should head and how it should get there.  

So, the question remains, in this environment and given these realities, how does Biden create winning conditions?

There are a number of strategies that he can and should adopt.

First, Biden has to literally live in each of the battleground states until November 3rd. It would serve him well to recall that Hillary Clinton never visited Michigan in 2016, and this cost her heavily. Biden must campaign in each of these states as though there were no tomorrow.

Second, he should approach the debates carefully.

The debates will not convince Trump’s core. Biden will have to seek an issue that targets and awakens doubt in undecided voters. Trump’s unwillingness to make his tax returns public underscores his character and Biden might consider making the debates conditional on both candidates coming clean with their tax returns. This would place Trump on the defensive and, although he might try to bluster his way through it all, undecided voters could be galvanized.

Third, Biden must realize that Trump appeals to voters’ passions and that he must develop a similar fire in his belly. This would inspire left leaning Democrats who hanker for Bernie Sanders’s passion and positions and who currently find Biden wanting on both counts.

And, finally, Biden must find a way to package his messaging in a way that neutralizes Trump’s monopoly over the media. Trump has won to date by uttering preposterous statements and outright lies. Biden’s people must find a way to craft messages and messaging opportunities in a way that can shine a light on him and his character without falling to Trump’s level.

In short, Biden must become an Irish slugger willing to go fifteen rounds without respite.

He has done fairly well of late. Recent reports about Trump’s feelings towards the military have given Biden some excellent ammunition. Biden must continue with this offensive and keep Trump on the back foot.

Biden must continue brand himself and not provide Trump with opportunities to brand him.

He must ignite the passions of both undecided voters and disaffected Democrats.

In short, he must keep Trump on the defensive and play hard ball against an opponent who has not a shred of shame or honesty.

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Edición: Elsa Torres