Article content continued

Consider the topics that could prove troublesome: – How did you lose $916 million? Would losing $2 billion be twice as smart?

– How is it a sign of “genius” to lose $916 million?

– When have you ever paid federal income taxes? How much?

– Why would you insinuate with no proof that Alicia Machado made a sex tape? That Clinton is cheating on her husband?

– After the past couple of weeks, how can you say your temperament is your strongest quality?

– Did you spend donations intended for the foundation on yourself or to settle business disputes? Why did you never get the foundation certified – were you concerned about an audit?

– Do you realize post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health issue and not a question of being “strong”?

– Did Russia in your eyes commit war crimes when it allegedly bombed an aid convoy? When it or its allies shot down a civilian airliner? You still think Putin is preferable to Obama?

– Did you rent office space to an Iranian bank with terrorist ties?

– Why do you never apologize to anyone?

That’s just a partial list. And, as we have pointed out, telling a moderator or Clinton that they don’t understand his “genius” in avoiding taxes is a far cry from confronting face to face an undecided voter in a town-hall format.

Moreover, there is no reason to believe (short of gagging him) that Trump’s handlers can prevent him from interrupting, rolling his eyes and otherwise appearing obnoxious during the debate. And let’s not forget: There is a very good chance that Clinton will bait him again with new material. It worked so well the first time, you have to think that she would try it again. You do wonder what Trump will do the next time he feels slighted, mocked or defeated.

In sum, Trump theoretically has time to get his act together, reverse the momentum, put the focus back on Clinton and win over millions of voters (a significant majority) who think he is not prepared to be president. As a practical matter, if he does not pull off a major shift in public perception very soon, he will be what he disdains most of all: a loser.

With files from National Post