Donald Trump and Joe Biden took part in the first presidential debate for the 2020 US election last night, and it’s fair to say that proceedings started off tense and escalated from there.
The 90-minute segment saw the two men clash repeatedly, with heated exchanges frequently turning personal. At one point, the debate’s moderator, Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, was forced to raise his voice in order to get the debate back on track.
Among the more controversial moments were Trump’s refusal to outright condemn white supremacist group the Proud Boys, and his unsubstantiated allegations against Biden’s son Hunter. The Democratic candidate’s frustration was palpable, with Biden losing his cool and telling his opponent to “shut up”.
Our readers dissected the debate and shared their thoughts on how the politicians performed, as well as what impact it might have on November’s election.
Iska believes Joe and the Democrats had nothing going for them: "Wow, does Biden ever deal with facts? This is an epidemic in the left of not dealing with facts! Shame on the left!"
Biden will not be the one to topple Trump, according to Bonhomie : “Last time the Democrats handed the Presidency to Trump by having Clinton as their candidate. Why they thought she was a good choice was beyond me. Sadly, I think they've made a similar mistake with Biden.”
It felt a bit one-sided for whoareya1 : “The only thing saving Trump here is that Biden is just not quick witted or clever enough to take Trump on. Trump will win the anti-Biden vote.”
Donald’s performance didn’t surprise terry at all: “The motormouth Trump, doing what he does best, bully and try and intimidate his way through everything. But it only showed him as what he is.”
CuiBonobo was appalled by Trump's behaviour: “Wow, that has to be the most ridiculous performance by a sitting president ever witnessed. Non stop lies, smears, and vile insults. Trump even refused to condemn the right wing hate groups, refused to commit to an orderly transition of power, refused to behave like a reasoning adult.
“Once more the ranting tangerine man has humiliated the USA in front of the entire world. Joe Biden was statesman-like and showed Donald how a real leader should behave.”
The high drama is a dangerous distraction, reckons Plinsky Undergarm : “It was clear from the get go, America voted for Trump because they want theatre. Democracy is now an afterthought.”
MrShedinthepeg is concerned about the implications of some of the incumbent leader’s statements: “Pretty sure the rest of the world were seeing Trump refusing to denounce white supremacists, telling them to be ready on the streets if he loses, congratulating militia for harassing people at the voting stations, and publicly stating that he will refuse to give up power if the people vote Biden into office.
“Trump, the tin pot dictator with his finger on the nuclear button... as far from entertaining as humanly possible.”
For some, neither side appeared to cover themselves in glory.
Iango thinks Biden and Trump let their country down: “They were both awful and provided very little substance for the American people to consider what will happen with their future such as jobs, taxes etc.”
It was a sobering reflection of the state of the world, says Greyson’s Creek : “The pair of them were an utter cringeworthy embarrassment. It’s sad to see two people immaturely arguing like children about who should run one the most powerful countries in the world. I can’t even fathom that this is real life at the moment.
“These people are fighting for the right to be in charge of the country, their economy and millions of human beings. If that doesn’t scare the skin off your frame... you can’t be saved! It was everything that is wrong with politics and justice right now!”
What did you think of the US election debate? Which candidate ‘won’, if any? Will Trump still be president in November, or is Biden on track for the Oval Office? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
