Rematch

• Both candidates have flaws but so far have batted away all contenders from within their own parties.
• Biden, who turns 81 in a few days, has the majority of both Democrats and Republicans believing he’s too old for a second term.
• Unless Biden withdraws, he can be assured of the Democratic nomination, notwithstanding the unenthusiastic support from many in his party.

Four indictments? No problem

• If Trump is the Republican nominee, former vice-president Mike Pence won’t return as his running mate.
• There has been no love lost between the two men since the turbulent end of Trump’s presidency.
• Trump will have the opportunity to select someone new, making the Republican ticket in 2024 different from that in 2016 and 2020.

What to watch for

• The most recent was in the 1950s, when Dwight D. Eisenhower faced Adlai Stevenson in two consecutive elections.
• Democrat Grover Cleveland stands alone in American history as the only president to serve non-consecutive terms — the exclusive club that Trump hopes to join.
• Just like Trump, Cleveland served one term and was defeated by Benjamin Harrison, but returned to power by soundly defeating Harrison four years later.
• He will likely rely on others — Harris and other Democratic party politicians — for the hard slogging.

Looking back at Nixon vs. Kennedy

• Richard Nixon came to the debate with a lack of makeup, a five o’clock shadow, grey suit and directed his comments at the studio audience rather than the TV camera.
• In contrast, John F. Kennedy was tanned, blue suited and spoke directly to the camera.
• Those who watched the debate on television declared Kennedy the winner, while those who listened on the radio concluded that Nixon’s performance was superior.

Thomas Klassen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.