In a highly anticipated debate, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head-to-head, showcasing their distinct styles and approaches. Despite the relatively small age difference—Biden at 81 and Trump at 78—the debate highlighted a broader gap in their delivery and clarity.
Biden’s Struggles
President Biden faced significant challenges during the debate, often struggling to convey his points with clarity. His hoarse voice and limited vocal range made it difficult for him to express his differences with Trump effectively. This issue became particularly evident when Biden trailed off while defending his record on border security, prompting Trump to remark, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said, either.”
Biden’s performance did little to alleviate voter concerns about his age, which remains one of his biggest vulnerabilities. His difficulties were most apparent when he attempted to cite statistics and legislation, where he often stumbled.
Biden’s One-Liners
Biden’s offensive strategy during the debate relied heavily on one-liners aimed at undermining Trump. One notable moment occurred when he brought up Trump’s conviction related to an affair with Stormy Daniels, saying, “You have the morals of an alleycat.” While these zingers were memorable, they did not seem to significantly shift the debate’s momentum in Biden’s favor.
Trump’s Stance on Abortion Pills
Trump made news with his stance on the abortion pill mifepristone. Earlier in the month, the Supreme Court dismissed a case that could have limited access to the pill. Trump backed the court’s decision, stating, “The Supreme Court just approved the abortion pill, and I agree with their decision to have done that and I will not block it.” This should have been a strong topic for Biden, but he struggled to articulate his party’s stance on abortion, appearing confused and giving Trump an opportunity to pivot the discussion to crimes committed by migrants.
The Economy and the Pandemic
When discussing their economic records, both candidates blamed the pandemic. Biden argued that he inherited an economy in “freefall” due to Trump’s mishandling of COVID-19. He criticized Trump’s stewardship, stating the pandemic was “so badly handled” by his predecessor. Trump, in his defense, claimed the pandemic halted what he described as “the greatest economy in the history of our country,” a familiar refrain from the former president.
Conclusion
The debate underscored the significant contrasts between Biden and Trump, not only in their policies but in their presentation and clarity. Biden’s struggles with articulation and Trump’s unwavering confidence, even when repeating discredited claims, highlighted the challenges each candidate faces as they vie for the presidency.
