Ahead of the debate, RNC tries to raise expectations for Clinton

The Republican National Committee had some kind words for Hillary Clinton this week, but the praise had a goal: raise expectations about her performance to make it easier for her to fall short.

Strategist Sean Spicer released a memo Thursday afternoon which gave Clinton’s debate performances rave reviews and reminded people that Donald Trump did not have nearly the same experience with debates as Clinton.

“For Clinton, high expectations stem from ample experience. Clinton is a career politician who has spent years sharpening her debate reflexes and beefing up on public policy. Donald Trump is new to the format. Aside from the primary debates (which have lower levels of attention focused on them and many more participants), Trump’s lack of formal, political, one-on-one debate experience gives Clinton a significant advantage.”

“Trump hasn’t been running for president for 24 years, he’s spent his career as a successful businessman. Few are expecting the same level of polish from a verbal gunslinger whose rhetorical strength is speaking to the heart — and the gut — of the American people,” Spicer continued in the memo. “With so much riding on this moment and a wealth of experience working in her favor, Hillary Clinton has no excuse not to turn in a near-flawless performance.”

Spicer’s praise is strategic and is similar to what Trump has been doing when discussing the moderators.

Trump has repeatedly questioned whether the debate moderators will be fair. At one point, he even said NBC’s Lester Holt, who will moderate Monday’s debate, is a Democrat so his questions will be slanted (Holt is a registered Republican) — a tactic some argue is aimed at pressuring moderators to go easier on him.