Sure, let Joe be Joe. He really does give a shit. He knows what it's like to lose loved ones suddenly. He should mention names of some friends or coworker friends who have had relatives die (maybe invite some relatives of CV-19 victims to attend and give them a shout out).
But also try to coach him to stay on point and not ramble.
I just keep how badly Hillary would rip into Trump, contradicting his BS and bludgeoning him with facts and figures and the real world death and disaster he unleashed.