Debate 'litmus test' of whether Trump candidacy can overcome latest scandal, expert says
LAWRENCE — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump met in the second presidential debate Oct. 9, coming on the heels of the release of a controversial 2005 recording of Trump discussing his treatment of women.
Brett Bricker, associate director of the University of Kansas debate program and assistant specialist of communication studies, is available to speak with media about the debate, who is considered the winner, both candidates’ performances, their tactics, their approaches, preparation, truthfulness, how it compared to the first debate and other topics.
With several commentators predicting campaign collapse, and possible withdrawal, this debate may be the litmus test for determining whether the Trump candidacy can overcome its latest scandal.
In addition to his work with KU’s debate team, Bricker is a contributing author to the new book “Debating the Donald.” The book takes a critical look at Donald Trump’s performance in the GOP primary debates. Authors from many of the nation’s top debate programs analyzed his performance, note lessons learned from each and prepare readers for the presidential debates. Bricker authored a chapter on Trump’s performance in the eighth GOP debate held in Manchester, New Hampshire, and noted Trump’s willingness to attack the debate audience, an uncommon tactic.
Editor’s note: Bricker is not on campus but is available for phone interviews. To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.