Who won the first 2020 US presidential debate?
Despite repeated attacks, Trump is giving little away about his second-term outlook," said US political commentator Dr Luis da Vinha.
Anyone watching the first debate witnessed an incumbent bullying his opponent, and a candidate willing to engage the public.
"The first debate of the 2020 US election was a very (un)Presidential Debate," said the Dr da Vinha, a lecturer at Flinders University.
"The first presidential debate in the 2020 elections revealed two candidates with markedly distinct styles and views of America.
"Joe Biden demonstrated that, despite his age, he had prepared for the debate, offering data and specific proposals for the country.
"President Trump, for his part, came to the debate with his usual chutzpah, touting his administration’s accomplishments over the last four years. Without providing any details of his alleged achievements, the incumbent president continued to claim that the U.S. had never been so good than under his administration. Despite his bravado, Trump however did not provide a path forward regarding the priorities for his second term. He spent most of the debate attacking Biden’s record and trying to portray him as the figurehead of the “radical left”.
"Overall, the debate was marked by overt hostility, creating several cringeworthy moments for the American public.
"True to his style, Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden and personally attacked his character and his family, making him pivot from his manage on several occasions. While Biden also interrupted his adversary and threw several personal jabs at the president, he took several opportunities to speak directly to the American people, trying to establish a personal connection with the electorate.
Dr da Vinha went on to question the need for these types of debates.
"Nine in 10 registered voters said they were already certain on who they would vote, the debate will contribute very little to the election result. If anything, it just confirms the polarised and dysfunctional nature of the current American political environment."
Did you see the debate? How did it make you feel?
I have recorded it -- not that I have faith in any of them --