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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDavid Corn's positive take on last night's "debate". That's A Win For Biden
At the Debate, Biden and Trump Showed America Who They Really Are. Thats a Win for Biden.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/09/at-the-debate-biden-and-trump-showed-america-who-they-really-are-thats-a-win-for-biden/
Thats what happened Tuesday night during the first presidential debate of 2020. Trump was focused on smearing his opponent, and Biden was trying to connect with voters. Throughout the evening, Trump kept his sneering look fixed upon Biden, as he heaped abuse on Biden (and Bidens son, Hunter). Trump rarely addressed voters. It was as if he was only bent on creating content for Sean Hannity. Biden, in a stark comparison, often peered into the camera and attempted to speak directly with viewers. At one point, Biden, while responding to yet another Trump assault on Hunter Biden, brought the debate straight to those watching: This is not about my family or his family. Its about your family.
It was clear that the two men viewed their tasks rather differently. Trumps goal was to bully and soil Biden. He constantly interrupted and talked over Biden, insulting him as much as he could (theres nothing smart about you, Joe) and practically turning moderator Chris Wallace, the Fox News host, into road kill. He acted like a pathetic narcissist: Biden is the threat to his existence, destroying Biden is his only priority. He could not imagine a strategy beyond a DEFCON-1 personal attack. Reaching voters who were not already die-hard Trump devotees was not on his to-do list. Trump doesnt give a damn about that. He only cares about the Fox-watching cultists who are already in his pocket.
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But Biden did all he could to pull out of the black hole created by Trumps cray-cray. He often refrained from taking the bait. And when he could, he tried to escape the vortex and tell voters what he would do to help them. On health care. The economy. Climate change. Systemic racism. Sure, he got in his licks against Trump, calling him a clown and a racisttelling Trump to shush and shut up, as Trump repeatedly violated the debate rules he had agreed to. But Biden saw his primary objective as selling himself as a normal, caring guy who would go to work for you. He was aiming to appeal to voters, especially those not decided. He is an old-fashioned pol who does believe that trope that success in politics is about additionadding voters to your coalition.
I didnt see it but Ive seen highlights (lowlights?) and read various takes and this seems the best take
hlthe2b
(102,264 posts)He's always been a sane, calming presence for me.
MyOwnPeace
(16,926 posts)Thanks!!!
The debate made this clear to all:
"...if the election this year is about the soul of the nation, then this debate highlighted that the choice is a damn clear one between a conventional, normy soul and one that is dark and ugly."
SharonClark
(10,014 posts)about additionadding voters to your coalition."
That's Biden and that's why he won the nomination.
CaptYossarian
(6,448 posts)He is one.
Trump sees a debate like a boxing match. Everytime he lays a glove on his opponent, even if he only disturbs one skin cell, he thinks he's earned a point. Trump will never land a knockout punch. Politically, emotionally, and intellectually--he's way out of his weight class.
There was no way an undecided voter could be moved over to Trump's side after this debate. It was a cage match only performed to satisfy Trump's most rabid fans.
dem4decades
(11,288 posts)Only Biden did a good job. So tell me who won the debate?