The 2020 Presidential Debates: A Win for Biden in Substance Despite Trump's Showmanship
As the nation watches and analyzes every detail of the 2020 presidential debates, one standout winner becomes clear: Joe Biden. While Donald Trump excelled in style, Joe Biden shone in substance, providing a memorable and factually grounded performance. Kamala Harris, the vice-presidential candidate, also shone in the debates, earning praise for her intellectual fortitude and persuasive communication.
Style vs Substance: Trump's Confidence versus Biden's Solidity
Donald Trump appeared more confident and assertive on stage. He often talked over Biden and dramatically posed in front of the camera. However, his performance was marred by dodging questions, making outright lies, and engaging in personal attacks. The right-wing media hailed this as a victory, but it was clear to many viewers that Trump's tactics were not effective.
In contrast, Joe Biden delivered a calm and steady performance. Despite appearing fatigued, he provided honest and fact-based answers to the moderators' questions. Fact checkers confirmed the accuracy of Biden's statements, ultimately proving his effectiveness in substance.
A Memorable Moment: Biden’s “Shut Up!” Response
A particularly memorable moment from the first debate was Biden's response to Trump. When Trump tried to dominate the conversation with interruptions and raised voices, Biden stated, Will you shut up man?, forcing the debates to take a detour from their usualscripts. This moment highlighted the stark difference between the two candidates in terms of rhetoric and professionalism.
Second Debate: Biden's Tirelessness and Triumph
Following the first debate, the second debate was notably more competitive. However, Joe Biden still maintained his composure and delivered a remarkably strong performance. Although the second debate was closer, many still believed Biden's persistence and factual approach gave him the upper hand.
2024: The Next Generation
As we look ahead to the next election, the 2024 race seems poised to bring new faces and dynamic debate dynamics. If Joe Biden were to run again, the public would expect a different candidate from the one who appeared in the 2020 debates. His appearance as a shadow of his former self raised questions about his stamina and ability to compete against a seasoned and confident Donald Trump. However, a few more public appearances by Biden restored confidence in his status as a brave, honest, and competent leader.
These debates highlight the importance of substance over style in political discourse. Elections are not won by opinions; they are won by facts, figures, and the ability to deliver those facts effectively. As the nation prepares for the next cycle of debates, the lessons from 2020 are clear: substance and honesty beyond the initial appearance can make all the difference.