The 2024 Debate Frenzy
This year the stakes for the presidential candidates were exceptionally high due to the general discontent and disapproval of both candidates. It was an opportunity to have both candidates share their viewpoints on critical challenges facing the US and abroad. The American public was waiting with bated breath to hear a meaningful discussion on policy when it came to inflation, climate change, abortion, the war in Ukraine, and the war in Gaza. Sadly, this debate has reaffirmed the widespread frustration with both political parties.
The event quickly devolved into a melee of insults, odd references to golf, criminal records, and inappropriate comments about encounters with sex workers. This debate undoubtedly stoked the fires of anger over the limited options of presidential candidates. Multiple publications referred to the debate as an embarrassment, unmitigated disaster, and even called for President Biden to step down.
What they did wrong
Biden was given the opportunity to quell the fears of his constituents by proving he is mentally capable and that he is still sharp despite his naysayers. He, however may have accomplished quite the opposite. With a raspy, low-toned voice he too slowly reached his points. To his credit, he fumbled because he was heavily focused on referring to specific policies, events, and plans. His repeatedly muted responses took away from the substance of his words. Demonstrating that unfortunately for politicians, how you say things is as equally important as what you say.
Trump consistently referred to the past rather than focusing on the questions at hand which were specific to action plans for the future. He repeatedly tried to congratulate himself for his job well-done and denigrate his opponent. He employed his trade-mark tactic of aggrandizing his skills and decisions while avoiding every question of substance. He referred to himself as the best for veterans but failed to refer to any policies that proved that. He said inflation was low during his presidency but didn’t give any hints as to how he will lower it again. Instead, he continuously employed humiliation and fear- tactics. He transparently pandered to the anxieties of his constituents by continuously referring to the borders, claims of murders, “stolen jobs”, and entries of terrorists. He also employed the frankly, schoolyard strategy of suggesting that without him everyone looked like a laughing stock, stating multiple times that the United States looks like a joke on the international floor.
This debate proved to be a shocking display as a whole. Unfortunately for Biden, despite being worlds ahead in laying down specifics, he may have lost more favor than gained simply due to his delivery. He was far more impassioned and clear when defending his performance than during the debate itself. All in all, Trump and his scapegoating strategy may have won by default despite being totally devoid of any substantive plans and instead rife with falsehoods.
