The Oklahoma Congressional Delegation Weighs In On What To Expect In Thursday's Debate

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, are set to face off Thursday night in the first of two scheduled debates. The Oklahoma congressional delegation is weighing in on what debate-watchers could expect to see.

Within the Oklahoma delegation, there are varying degrees of support for the polarizing former president, but they are all Republicans, so it’s not surprising that they all give Trump the advantage going into the debate.

"I will tell you, I think he's ready for this debate," said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.4) in an interview this week.

Cole doesn't doubt that Biden is also ready, noting that Biden's multiple runs for president have given him plenty of debate experience. He says he expects Trump will simply emphasize their differences in their records.

"Like, 'I was successful on the border, Biden has not been, the world was more peaceful, you know, (but) not very peaceful right now, and, frankly, inflation was under control when i left office'," Cole said.

Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.2) believes this is a debate that Trump should win.

"My hope is is that Trump starts with and ends with a message: compare my four years against this administration's four years." Brecheen said in an interview Thursday.

Brecheen says there is no comparison. "If 45 will stay on that message," he said, referring to Trump by the number of his presidency, "Then it’s going to be a home run." 

Biden is expected to say that putting Trump back in the White House would be a threat to democracy, that he'd cut taxes for the rich, and further erode abortion rights.

But beyond the messages, many Americans will be watching the two oldest presumptive candidates in history for their body language, physical stamina and cognitive clarity. The latter issue is one reason some Trump supporters think he should resist the urge to go on the attack.

"The more Biden can talk," said Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in an interview, "The better it is for people to understand what type of leader is there, and I think you have an absent leader right now in the White House."