# Sanders and Trump agree to a debate...how do you think it will turn out? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 26, 2016, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734 "2016-05-26T12:18:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/1 "2016-05-26T12:18:53Z")
Last night Sanders and Trump agreed to a debate: - [Trump tells Kimmel he’d be willing to debate Sanders for charity](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tells-kimmel-hed-be-willing-to-debate-sanders-for-charity/) - Sanders replies: [Game on](https://twitter.com/berniesanders/status/735689625407131648) Clinton cannot catch a break this week. Among other problems she had this week this comes after she refused to debate Sanders despite her promise that she would. Question is what do you think the debate will be like? Mudslinging? Both sounding reasonable? Something else? My guess is it will be a reasonable debate and not the usual Trump name calling. First, I suspect Sanders by his very nature (cranky old guy) would be good at deflecting Trump name calling and second I suspect Trump feels a need to appear a bit more presidential for the general (he has already softened a bit to that end). Clinton will probably be the one they collectively throw under the bus. They will disagree with each other, of course, but Clinton will take the most lumps I would think. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/2 "2016-05-26T12:45:51Z")
My first reaction was to assume that this won’t happen. If it does happen, it’ll be a cacophonous shit-show. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/3 "2016-05-26T12:52:44Z")
Trump won’t lay into Sanders too hard because he wants Sanders to be a drag on Clinton as long as possible. He’ll call him a Socialist, etc, but I don’t expect him to use any personal attacks or belittling nicknames like he does against real opponents. I expect the two of them to highlight the differences they have with each other, but to be pretty cordial about it. They both want Sanders to look good. ETA: But I also agree it probably won’t happen. ---
**Author:** ![Kyrie\_Eleison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kyrie_eleison/32/7682_2.png) [@Kyrie\_Eleison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyrie_Eleison)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/4 "2016-05-26T13:16:29Z")
Trump will spend a large part of the debate cajoling Sanders to join him in trashing Clinton and the Democratic Party leadership. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/5 "2016-05-26T13:20:13Z")
> [@Kyrie\_Eleison](#): > > Trump will spend a large part of the debate cajoling Sanders to join him in trashing Clinton and the Democratic Party leadership. Bingo. That is the entire purpose of this debate - they will spend 90% of their time talking about Hillary Clinton. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/6 "2016-05-26T13:30:09Z")
If it’s a boxing match Mayweather wins easily. In the octagon MacGregor has the advantage. We are talking about the undercard right? Anyhoo, I’d be tempted to vote for a Trump/Sanders ticket. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/7 "2016-05-26T13:32:43Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Bingo. That is the entire purpose of this debate - they will spend 90% of their time talking about Hillary Clinton. Yup. Stereophonic misogyny, from the Left & the Right. Natural bad hair versus bad hair on purpose. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/8 "2016-05-26T13:41:10Z")
It’s possible to go after Clinton without being a misogynist. Trump certainly is one, but Bernie? Give me a break. But yeah, this will be mostly about Clinton and her absence. It’s not going to change her getting the nod, though. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/9 "2016-05-26T13:52:03Z")
This is basically Bernie’s Make a Wish foundation present. He gets to pretend like he’s the nominee of a major political party . If it happens, I hope Trump lays into Bernie, but it will more likely be Clinton bashing from both sides. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/10 "2016-05-26T14:19:28Z")
I think a debate between them will help Hillary. From the conservative view, any coziness between Trump and a socialist is going to look bad. It’ll suppress the Republican turn-out. From the progressive view, it’s going to highlight how different (i.e., better) Hillary is compared to Trump. From the centrist view, it’ll look like two publicity hounds trying to get more attention for themselves. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/11 "2016-05-26T15:02:13Z")
The news feeds I see just say they are discussing it. Is it really a done deal? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/12 "2016-05-26T16:29:22Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > Yup. Stereophonic misogyny, from the Left & the Right. Natural bad hair versus bad hair on purpose. Trump is a misogynist to be sure. I think he is their national spokesman. But Sanders? Really? Do you have examples of his misogyny? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/13 "2016-05-26T16:33:40Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > The news feeds I see just say they are discussing it. Is it really a done deal? I do not think anything has been formalized. My guess is they’d make that announcement on late night chat shows then take the temperature today and decide whether to go for it. I do not follow conservative blogs/news much but I know there is a lot of excitement to see it from Sanders’ supporters. Clinton supporters do not seem to like it. Those two things should mean a big green light from Sanders I would think. I also think the debate will open the door Sanders shut on himself regarding Clinton’s email server. That was a strategic mistake that cost Sanders a lot right from the outset. If Trump brings it up (and he almost certainly will) Sanders can talk about it and claim he has “evolved” on the issue. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/14 "2016-05-26T16:42:16Z")
Hillary really ought to debate Bernie. A debate between Bernie and Trump would only make Hilary look like a coward who doesn’t think she can actually win a debate. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/15 "2016-05-26T16:42:43Z")
Bernie’s ratings will go up. Trump’s ratings will go up. Hillary will be left to wonder what the hell is going on. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/16 "2016-05-26T16:50:33Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > The news feeds I see just say they are discussing it. Is it really a done deal? The OP’s first link says “Multiple sources told CBS News Thursday morning, however, that the presumptive nominee was just kidding about debating Sanders – it will never happen, they said.” and the second link is merely a Sanders tweet saying “Game on”. I think it’s safe to say this is not a done deal. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/17 "2016-05-26T16:51:18Z")
> [@Damuri\_Ajashi](#): > > Hillary really ought to debate Bernie. A debate between Bernie and Trump would only make Hilary look like a coward who doesn’t think she can actually win a debate. Not to mention she promised she would then backed out when it was no longer in her interests. Reinforced the notion that Clinton only does what suits Clinton. Promises are worthless. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/18 "2016-05-26T16:51:40Z")
> [@Damuri\_Ajashi](#): > > Hillary really ought to debate Bernie. A debate between Bernie and Trump would only make Hilary look like a coward who doesn’t think she can actually win a debate. Bernie’s already been on a debate stage with Hilary. She’s saving her energy for the debates that matter–with the other nominee. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/19 "2016-05-26T16:52:38Z")
**Crotalus** got it in one. It ain’t gonna happen…apparently Trump’s people are already saying it was just a joke, which should have been obvious (“How much is he going to pay me?”). And if it \*does \*happen, it’s going to fall into the category of wrestling a pig, and Hillary is going to come off as the winner just by staying out of it. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734/20 "2016-05-26T17:15:45Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > **Crotalus** got it in one. It ain’t gonna happen…apparently Trump’s people are already saying it was just a joke, which should have been obvious (“How much is he going to pay me?”). And if it \*does \*happen, it’s going to fall into the category of wrestling a pig, and Hillary is going to come off as the winner just by staying out of it. The link below is 20 minutes old. Sanders’ people say backchannel talks about it are progressing. Trump people did not comment. [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/281374-sanders-camp-discussions-underway-for-trump-debate](http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/281374-sanders-camp-discussions-underway-for-trump-debate) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734.md?page=2)