The Truth Behind The Debate: Did Trump Really Outsmart Biden or Was It All Just Smoke and Mirrors?

In the aftermath of the first presidential debate in 2020, opinions varied widely regarding the performances of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Many critics, including this author, saw Trump's debate performance as disappointing, marked by tangential answers and rambling speech. However, others saw Biden as the real underperformer, eager to confront Trump with his 'nonsense' instead of aligning with his own message.

Was Trump the Winner?

Many, particularly Trump's supporters, saw the debate as a significant victory for the former President. Trump's strategic non-compliance with questions and his ability to frame the conversation in a way that played to his strengths were often highlighted. However, it is important to note that accuracy in statements is a critical factor in a presidential debate. Trump's tendency to spout laughter and fallacies was a stark contrast to Biden's assertions, which were often well-founded and factual. From the perspective of a neutral observer, the debate was a display of both strengths and weaknesses from each candidate.

Biden's Underperformance

Joe Biden's performance in the debate was widely criticized for its lack of directness and coherence. It was observed that Biden did not effectively rebut Trump's accusations and instead allowed himself to become sidetracked. This is in stark contrast to Trump's strategic approach to the debate. Biden should have held his ground and refused to engage in a debate where he knew his answers would be met with fallacies and falsehoods.

Implications for the Election

The impact of the debate on the election race is a matter of significant discussion. While some argue that Trump's performance solidified his base and provided an entertaining spectacle, others argue that it underlined his inability to provide substantive answers. Biden, on the other hand, managed to portray a more composed and presidential image, though his performance was marred by moments of underwhelming responses.

The Post-Debate Analysis

The aftermath of the debate saw intense analysis and commentary. Supporters of both candidates had strong opinions on who was the victor. After the debate, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the debates and highlighted his differences with Biden. The Republican National Convention (RNC) served as a platform for discussions on the policies and ideologies of the two candidates. The speeches from both the Vice President and Trump emphasized a division in policy and rhetoric. There was a clear divergence in views between the two parties, with Trump advocating for policies that would reunite the country and Biden focusing on addressing the governance issues under his administration.

Conclusion

In the context of the first presidential debate, both candidates exhibited strengths and weaknesses. While many viewed Trump as the winner due to his strategic approach and ability to entertain his supporters, others pointed to the factual nature of Biden's responses as a sign of his competency. The debate served as a critical moment in the election and provided valuable insights into the performance and rhetoric of both candidates. As the debate's impact continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the implications of this encounter will undoubtedly be felt in the weeks and months to come.