Everyone else is offering advice, so why shouldn’t I?
1. Don’t lose sight of the ultimate objective. This isn’t a forum in which to score debating points; you are trying to win over undecided voters. Do whatever it takes to accomplish that. If you come across as being unpleasant in winning a battle, you lose the war.
2. Take Michelle’s advice. You can’t win a race to the bottom with Trump, so don’t try–go high.
3. Just the facts, ma’am. If Trump, against my expectations, plays it straight in an effort to look “presidential,” be cold and rational and expose his ignorance, which shouldn’t be too hard.
4. Take advantage of wedge issues. Ask him about his comment during a GOP debate that wages are too high. Talk about the minimum wage. Make it clear that he thinks climate change is a hoax, and therefore cares nothing about the impacts of hurricanes to coastal areas. Make the point that he will be one of the principal winners if his tax plan is approved, and workers will get little or nothing.
5. Cross-examine wherever possible. The more you inquire about the details of his ideas, the less substance there is.
6. Don’t bang on about the wall. You can’t get anywhere with that issue. People either believe him, or they don’t.
7. The best shots are counterpunches. Don’t be the first one to launch a personal attack.
8. Laugh off his more ridiculous assaults. No elaboration is necessary.