Last night’s presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was nothing short of a disaster. I tuned in with a mixture of dread and curiosity, and what unfolded was a spectacle that left me both amused and deeply concerned about the future of our country.
From the get go, it was clear that this debate was going to be a rough ride. The good news? Well, the cameras were in focus, the live streams didn’t cut out, and the lighting was decent. Beyond that, it was a chaotic clash of egos, lies, and blunders. If you missed it, congratulations on sparing yourself from the circus. But for those of us who watched, here are some key takeaways.
The Good, If You Can Call It That
Finding anything good to say about this debate is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, it’s worth noting that the debate happened early enough in the election cycle to allow for potential shifts in campaign strategies. The candidates are unlikely to change, but their messages might. And hey, it’s a great time for gamblers to cash in on the chaos!
The Bad, Oh So Bad
The worst part of the night was CNN’s abysmal performance in moderating the debate. Jake Tapper’s lack of pushback against blatant lies and dodged questions was shocking. It was a journalistic failure of epic proportions.
Joe Biden, unfortunately, bore the brunt of the negative attention. His performance was filled with stumbles and a doddering tone, feeding into concerns about his age and health. Watching him struggle was genuinely disheartening. Despite some strong moments, especially on foreign policy, Biden often appeared confused and unsteady.
Trump, on the other hand, was his usual fiery self, spewing fabrications left and right. At one point, he bizarrely called Biden a “bad Palestinian” and accused Democrats of killing children. The lack of real time fact checking allowed these absurdities to hang in the air, unchallenged.
The Ugly Reality
Debates are often about optics, and last night, the optics were terrible for both candidates. Biden’s hoarse voice and stumbles played right into the hands of those questioning his fitness for office. The split screen format only highlighted his struggles as Trump launched his usual barrage of falsehoods.
Trump’s verbal jabs and conspiracy theories might have energized his base, but they did little to win over swing voters. His hyperbolic language and failure to credibly defend his actions, especially regarding the January 6th Capitol siege, were glaring.
Why This Matters
As an observer without strong ties to either political party, my main concern is the quality of leadership we are being offered. Neither candidate came out of this debate looking presidential. Biden’s health and age are genuine concerns, and Trump’s penchant for spreading misinformation is deeply troubling.
This upcoming election year is going to be tough. I honestly don’t believe that either Trump or Biden is the right choice for president at this moment. It’s a sobering realization that many Americans share. We’re left to choose between two deeply flawed candidates, each with their own significant issues.
Conclusion
Last night’s debate was a comedic yet concerning display of the state of our political landscape. It underscored why so many Americans are dissatisfied with their choices. As we move forward, it’s crucial to stay informed, question what we hear, and most importantly, vote with both our heads and our hearts.
