I keep hearing the voices on right-wing radio saying that "The Debates" will push public opinion toward Trump, but that's hardly a forgone conclusion. Debates aren't won by being "explosive"...they are won by staying focused and remaining on-point. Trump is not well-known for his ability to do that.
Clinton is a practiced liar, and no stranger to the "game" of high-profile politics. When she gets on stage she will ignore both the moderator's questions, and Trump's commentary...every response will be dig at Trump followed by a pivot back to her stump speech...just watch. She doesn't stand to gain anything by answering any questions, but she can use the "Debates" as free publicity to position herself as the "only adult in the room" (something she has been doing already for months).
Trump, on the other hand, has everything to lose EVERYTIME he opens his mouth. The debates are a perfect time for Clinton to bait Trump into reacting with off-the-cuff "Trump-isms" and to keep the conversation focused on how terrible a candidate HE is, instead of how terrible a candidate SHE is. The media will run with Trump's "Gaffe Du Jour", and Clinton will continue her inevitable march to the White House.
Clinton's only task in this election is to remind people that she's been here for 20 years...and the Republic hasn't crumbled because of it so far. Her job is to paint herself as the candidate of experience and stability versus an agent of Chaos. The "Powers That Be" loathe instability above all else...and Trump is the candidate running on de-stabilizing the American system.
