Standup Chameleon

   Start the countdown to the most widely viewed television event of this election year, if not in all television history.
   The first debate between the two leading candidates for President of the United States is set for Monday evening, and already there is much speculation about the strategies and performances of each of the candidates.
   Policy statements aside, the Big Question is whether the debate will be a civil exchange between two knowledgeable and well prepared people who will answer questions from the host clearly, completely and cogently, or will the exchange quickly degenerate into an exchange of insults, vituperation and abuse.
   Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, comes to the debate stage with a history of reserve when dealing with journalists and their questions. She has held few formal press conferences with news media reporters, and whether that's because of dislike for the media or something else remains to be seen.
   She also is perceived by many voters as untrustworthy, and many of them speak of a personal dislike, regardless of her past experience in government and law, most recently as Secretary of State, and before that as a U.S. senator from New York.
   On the other hand, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has no experience in government, but many years in business, as a developer of hotels, casinos and housing.
   In past appearances, Clinton has relied on her knowledge and experience, and has spoken at length and in detail about problems and possible solutions, to the point of seeming dry and dull in her presentations.
   Trump has shown a great talent for one-liner jabs and insults, but this time he promises to "be nice" to his opponent, even as he warns, "if she's nice to me, I'll be nice to her." In the past, Trump has emphasized that if someone "hits me first, I'm gonna hit back."
   So which set of characteristics will show up for the debate Monday evening? Will viewers see the a solid, steady, if not stodgy but knowledgeable Hillary Clinton, or will she present a sharp wit and challenging debater ready to cut down an opponent whom many perceive as an arrogant bully?
   Early reports indicate that Trump has been spending little or no preparation time, storing details and policy points and going through mock debates as practice sessions. More likely, according to early reports, his debate performance will rely heavily on his gut feelings and instincts, honed over many years as a real estate contract negotiator and host of a reality TV show.
   It seems clear that many debate viewers will see the same Hillary Clinton they have known for decades. Others will see the same person they have mistrusted for at least as long.
   But which Donald Trump will take the stage? Will he continue as the aggressive performer who relies on insult and abuse to attack an opponent who disagrees with him? Or will he become someone else?
   It's a sure bet that Hillary Clinton will disagree with him on many points. That's what a debate is for. But whether he responds with lucid counter-arguments or launches a barrage of personal attacks will depend on which Donald Trump shows up for the performance.
   Either way, it will be a standup show, with a political chameleon as the main attraction.