Keep things on an upbeat footing

Chris Hayes on his MSNBC show All In with Chris Hayes was commenting about President Biden not taking any bait from reporters about the tensions between China and the US after his conference with Xi. Hayes then stated that Biden was looking to “keep things on a an upbeat footing.” This is a mashup of “be on even footing” (to be equal in power or ability) and “upbeat” (inspiring or exuding happiness). A big thank you to Ron MacDonald for hearing this one and sending it in.