There's way too much downplaying of expectations for Trump leading into the Presidential debate.
He's was a TV star for years and he's done more of these debates (primary and General election) than anyone. The reason Harris is his opponent is that he basically shut down Biden. It's a format in which he does very well.
@Coctaanatis fair point provided that being truthful or accurate is not a metric for “winning”.
@CanisPundit One thing I've learned from watching him is that dominance and self-assurance seem key.
@Coctaanatis agreed. Trump is a gifted liar. For those who do not know any better the presentation (the confidence of the con man) is sufficient. The remainder is other's perception that they somehow get what they want (validation of their hatreds, punishment for those they hate, deregulation, tax breaks .... He's spent the majority of his life creating illusions of wealth beyond his abilities. He has practice.