Advertisement - story continues below
During an interview with ABC News’ Good Morning America, President Obama, who participated in presidential debates against John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012, revealed what he would do if he were Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in her upcoming debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump on Monday night.
“Be yourself,” he said, “and explain what motivates you.”
The president continued, “I’ve gotten to know Hillary and seen her work and seen her in tough times and in good times. She is in this for the right reasons. She is motivated by a deep desire to make things better for people.”
Advertisement - story continues below
In the interview, which took place at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Obama said he believes the fact that Clinton is a woman means she has faced incredible obstacles that no other major party nominee has ever faced.
“I think there is a reason we haven’t had a woman president before and so she is having to break down some barriers,” he said.
Obama added that when it comes to what Clinton is really like, “There is a level of mistrust and a caricature of her that doesn’t jibe with who I know, this person that cares deeply about kids, and wants to make sure they get a good education and wants to make working families have support and wants everyone to succeed and wants to keep America safe.”
Advertisement - story continues below
The president also thinks that Clinton’s ability to handle character attacks while still offering what he sees as important policy proposals is proof that she would be a great fit for the presidency.
EXCLUSIVE: Pres. Obama offers his advice for Hillary Clinton as she prepares to debate Donald Trump: 'Be yourself.' https://t.co/XABC9X1hHKpic.twitter.com/dJT2nrlnTH
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 22, 2016
“To the degree to which she can talk not just about policy, but talk about why she has been able to despite all the slings and arrows that have been cast at her, just keep on going,” he said.
He continued, “It would be good for the American people to see that and be reminded of that.”
Advertisement - story continues below
More proof that President Obama has poor judgment: His debate advice for Hillary was to "be yourself." He knows she wants to win, right?
— JD Rucker (@JDRucker) September 23, 2016
The first presidential debate between Clinton and Trump will take place Monday at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York.
As the debate has drawn closer, the candidates are reportedly preparing in very different ways.
Clinton is said to be meticulously rehearsing while also studying numerous hours of tape, looking for ways to get under her rival’s skin in an attempt to show the public that Trump does not have the temperament to be president.
By contrast, Trump — who is a political novice in the midst of his first campaign — has eschewed more traditional methods of practice, choosing instead to spitball ideas with key members of his team and look for the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent through past debate footage.
What do you think?Scroll down to comment below.