But that I don't think will matter, because most people realise a President needs to have other qualities than a TV entertainer.  Manners matter as well, and Trump hasn't got any. The moderator and rules of engagement will be key, and if I were a Hillary advisor I would refuse to attend the "debates" unless they rules were framed to my liking - e.g. no interrupting when the other speaker has the floor.

Insist beforehand that the moderator must end the debate if Trump repeatedly breaks the rules - as he will.  Trump thrives because he can break any rules he likes with impunity. Now he will lose his platform if he breaks the rules and he simply won't know how to handle that. She can do without the debates proceeding.  He can't.

My advice to Hillary would be to simply to ignore the presence of Trump in the room, other than a polite acknowledgement every now an again. Speak slowly and distinctly directly to the American people.  Answer every question asked on the merits getting in as many of her own talking points as possible. Ignore Trump's personalised counter attacks as you would an unruly teenager.  Quietly correct any factual errors he makes, but acknowledge why (some) people might feel that way. Demonstrate you know where people are coming from and address their concerns without being patronising or talking down to them. Honour people by paying due respect to their feelings but also by respecting their intelligence. People like to think their opinions matter. Make sure you quote them every time.

Index of Frank's Diaries