Stop Kvetching

Donald Trump is no Will Rogers. He never met a debate moderator that he likes. It did seem clear that in the first debate moderator Lester Holt kept Trump on a shorter leash than Clinton. But Donald it’s a fact of life that the media favors the Democrats especially since you scare the living daylights out of them. Treat it like a football game. The refs are going to make some bad calls but the game is yours to play — win lose or draw. Stop whining or sniffling and get serious about debating. How you may ask?

School Yourself

Nobody can be an expert on the intricacies of every economic and foreign policy issue especially in this complex world. But you’re up against a policy wonk who talks rings around a political newcomer like you. So pick three or four issues that you’re passionate about and where you feel you can really make an impact as president. Learn them in detail and study your opponent’s positions. Then be a salesman. Tell the American people why your ideas will work better for them and not how you’ll spend the commission you’ll make on the sale.

Talk Tougher

There was some talk that your goal was just to suit up and not get rough with Hillary to show women voters that you’re really a nice guy. You were afraid you would make her cry on stage and then the pundits could fire the misogynist charge at you. Donald Hillary Clinton is one tough cookie. She’s combative. Like most seasoned politicians she relishes debating issues. She’s been married to Bill Clinton for 41 years. Barack Obama was her boss. You don’t scare her. Get tough without getting personal. Hammer away at Hillary’s weak spots — e-mails pay-to-play Benghazi. Convince voters she’s unreliable.

The Hillary

Smile Less

Hillary you looked like you were having a grand old time at the first debate because things were going your way for much of it but maybe you shouldn’t smile so much when you’re under attack. It makes Americans think you don’t take your failures seriously and haven’t learned anything from your mistakes. Be a little more contrite. Give us some reasons why we should trust you despite all the scandals swirling around you. If you can.

Exhibit Dynamism

Your opponent comes across as someone who’s going to hit the ground running and shake things up fast and furious.
You give the impression that you’re going to tinker around Obama’s edges: That doesn’t sit well with the millions of Americans who want a revolution. Remember Bernie Sanders and how he beat you in 23 states? Tell us how you’re going to pass anything other than executive orders with a Republican Congress. Your husband became a master at dealing with the GOP. Convince us that you can do it and end Washington’s gridlock.