Clinton prepares to face 'more focused' Trump at second presidential debate

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Hillary Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters his team is bracing for a "more focused, more prepared" Donald Trump at Sunday's second presidential debate.

Trump had previously blamed his microphone for his suboptimal performance at the first debate, but walked back his comments Thursday, saying "it wasn't that the mic didn't work" in regards to his struggles, The New York Times reports. Trump further claimed Clinton wasn't prepping for Sunday's debate at his New Hampshire town hall: "You know Hillary frankly — they talk about debate prep — that's not debate prep, she is resting," he said.

The second debate's town-hall format will give audiences a different look at the candidates, as they will be required to interact with actual voters and walk around the stage. There is some concern, though, that the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew could obscure the debate's message for viewers who would have otherwise been engaged.

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The second presidential debate begins Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. at Washington University in St. Louis.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.