So, what should the Democratic candidate look like? There are a lot of choices. I think the key characteristic is to be able to go toe-to-toe with Trump verbally. Be as combative as he is, and call him out for being the worm that he is. When Trump attacks on character flaws, the candidate should remind Trump of all of his glaring character flaws, listing them one by one.
He should use the Muller report and identify Trump as a criminal, an ‘unindicted co-conspirator’, just as in Nixon’s day. He should ascribe all of these flaws directly to him. After all, Trump has no problem with doing that to others. And, you have to fight on his playing field to win.
You cannot back down and you cannot take the high road. The high road doesn’t work. The high road in a conversation with Trump, makes it look like Trump has standing, gravitas. The people want a candidate who can call him out. If he/she can do that, Trump has no chance to win. It is the only shot Trump has in his arsenal.
The Democratic candidate should know that you go after bullies, and if he/she can’t do that shot-for-shot, they should step aside and let someone who can stand the heat take on Trump.
Trump is, after all, a bully, and you never back down from a bully.