Kamala Harris has to do a 'tie' or better....for her campaign to sustain itself for the remaining 70-odd days.
If she stumbles around....does the goofy laugh....fails to state any policy of hers....spends the whole hour in some prosecution style on Trump....then the election is a failed mess for her to resolve (at least at this point).
Usually....you end up with marginal debate 'goofs' and neither does much of a job actually winning a debate.
In Trump's defense? This is a guy who reads the Wall Street Journal daily, and has insight into the top twenty-five stories of the day. He's not stupid.
As much as Biden would want to say he 'bested' Trump in the debates....I considered them mostly a draw.
Will the networks give up selling Harris's brand, if she stumbles around a good bit tonight? On CNN's behalf....yeah, I think so.