Opinion

As Thursday’s debate nears, brief advice for Biden and Trump from FIU’s former president | Opinion

Modesto A. “Mitch” Maidique

June 26, 2024 at 8:29 p.m.·1 min read

The 2024 presidential race officially begins Thursday night when President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump debate for the first time at 9 p.m. in Atlanta hosted by CNN..

As someone who has studied, taught and practiced leadership for over 40 years, here is my advice for each presidential candidate for the debate.

My advice is brief and focuses on form, execution and style, not politics. I’ll be interested to see if either candidate has any of these tips already on their to-do list.

To President Joe Biden:

You are the most powerful person on the planet. Do not allow yourself to be baited by any attacks that could derail you.

Remember, you are the steady, experienced hand, and nearly half of Americans are with you because of it.

To challenger Donald Trump:

The merit of your comments notwithstanding, do not insult the President of the United States.

Your opponents are counting on it. Stay calm and stick to the issues.

I believe whoever follows these simple rules will likely win this first debate.

Modesto A. “Mitch” Maidique is Florida International University’s President Emeritus. He is recognized as a leadership expert and is the founder of the Chapmanville Leadership Development Program.

Modesto ‘Mitch’ Maidique served Florida International University’s president for more than 22 years. He is the namesake of the University Park campus, an honor bestowed upon Maidique when he stepped down in 2009.

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