I had high hopes for the Presidential debate. I knew that Donald Trump would be a disaster because he simply name calls, lies, and blames. He rarely to never has a good idea, supports American values, or demonstrates care or concern for most American people. He's a demented, ignorant, self-serving, irresponsible individual. I knew that Biden would be up against Trump as the attack dog that he is. I hoped that Biden would have a greater chance to demonstrate his ideas, plans, and care for the American people. However, via persistent interruptions, side talk, and insults from Trump, it was difficult for Biden to share his ideas. At almost every moment, Biden had to decide whether to respond to Trump's disrespectful, hateful, and insulting interruptions or to ignore them. That was a difficult situation to counter. We saw Hillary Clinton struggle with Trump's lies, disrespect, name calling, and grandiosity too.
So the debate became a free-for-all with both men often talking at the same time. There was little real time for the men to discuss their ideas, however Biden was able, at times, to discuss policy and ideas for the future. Trump's commentary was mainly a litany of blaming others, insults, exaggerations, and lies. He had no ideas to share, and no commentary about why we've lost so many lives and livelihoods during his Presidency. He did not heed the call to speak against White Supremacists, and in the end, he simply railed against the United States voting system in what seemed like a pre-planned attempt to counter any outcome of the election that did not favor him.
What is America to do? How are we going to combat such a disgusting debate, a debate that the whole world was able to see? How can we do better next time?
Clearly, the interruptions and side talk, were a great distraction. That can't happen next time. I like the idea of many expressed on Twitter to cut the mic of the other person, and perhaps, cut their video too as the candidates tend to gesture and make faces when the other speaks and that's a distraction. Also, the debates need to be more programmed for these individuals--there can be no free time since that time was not respected.
We need leaders who can debate their ideas intelligently and civilly. We cannot have a wrestling match as some described tonight's debate to be. We need a better plan, better protocols, and a way to monitor the debate in ways that make sure the candidates follow the protocol set. Onward.