Yesterday's debate between the two candidates for the US Presidential Election was the first of two that the two sides have agreed to take place and provided the first insight into their views on issues such as the coronavirus, the economic recovery, tax policy, racism, and international politics. The Biden-Trump debate was the first held in a studio without a live audience since 1960.
- Coronavirus and Pandemic Management:
During the debate, Trump reiterated his support for avoiding extended lockdowns and his call for easing economic restrictions imposed by the pandemic. He referred to the success of his administration and the gradual return of the economy to normality. On the other hand, Biden criticized the Trump administration's handling of the crisis, underscoring the need for more action to protect public health and prevent further spread of the virus. He also mentioned the need for more medical service and health care for citizens.
- Economic recovery:
Trump argued that tax cuts and freeing businesses from restrictions have led to positive results for the economy. Instead, Biden has been critical of the Trump administration's economic policy, stressing the need for greater support for workers and small businesses, as well as further economic support through different tax policy measures.
- Tax Policy:
Trump supported continuing tax cuts and simplifying the tax code for businesses and families. On the other hand, Biden proposed raising taxes on the wealthiest and big corporations, underscoring the need for further fairness in the tax system and strengthening social programs.
- Racism and Social Justice:
Biden emphasized the importance of unity and condemned racist violence, underscoring the need for police reform. Trump, for his part, defended his record on minorities and talked about his efforts to strengthen communities through economic opportunity.
Biden criticized Trump for his handling of race relations, while Trump accused Biden of not doing enough during his career. The two candidates disagreed sharply on how to address the issues of police brutality and racial inequality.
- Foreign Policy and International Relations:
Biden argued for the importance of working with allies and restoring America to a leadership role on the international stage. He criticized Trump for weakening alliances and withdrawing from international agreements.
On the other hand, Trump emphasized his "America First" policy, emphasizing the need to protect American interests and citing successes such as reaching new trade deals and reducing military forces in war zones. He also mentioned his tough stance on China.
The two candidates disagreed on many issues, with Biden criticizing Trump for isolating the US from the rest of the world, while Trump argued that his policies boost the country's security and economy.
After yesterday's debate, opinion polls showed little change in voter preferences. Biden appears to have won slightly on issues such as managing foreign policy and social justice, while Trump has retained his base of supporters with an emphasis on the economy and national security. The overall differences weren't great, but the debate seemed to strengthen the resolve of each candidate's already supportive supporters.
The Medicare blunder
The current president fell into blunders, among other things. As he answered a question about the national debt and began talking about health care policy, he stammered and appeared to lose his train of thought at the end of his answer.
“Making sure we're able to make every lonely person eligible for what I was able to do with Covid. Excuse me, let's get on with everything we have to do," Biden said. "Look, if we finally beat Medicare."
Trump responded: “Well, he's right. Beat Medicare. He beat it to death."
But the former president, unlike the current one, remained steadfast throughout the debate. He also tried to point out Biden's stuttering after a roundabout answer to a question about immigration.
"I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence," Trump said. "I don't think he knows what he said." Asked about the age issue, Biden commented: "This guy is three years younger and a lot less capable."
If there was any uncertainty, the conversation made it clear that neither has any respect for the other. As they took the stage, neither man was willing to shake hands.
Biden took issue with Trump over reports that he called Americans who died in the war "losers" and "morons." Referring to his son, the late Beau Biden, an Army officer, Biden said: “My son was not a loser. It's not a joke. You are the clown. You're the loser."
Trump again maintained that he never made those comments.
"The two men are only a few years apart in age, but Biden looked much older during a grueling evening in front of a sizable television audience," commented the WSJ.
- CNN Politics
- Website: Politico
- The New York Times – Politics
- The Washington Post – Politics
- BBC News – US Politics
- The Wall Street Journal
