U.S. presidential debate: A battle of wits and words
The first U.S. presidential debate of the 2020 election took place on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The debate was moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News. The two candidates, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, discussed a wide range of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, racial injustice, and climate change.
The debate was widely seen as a victory for Biden, who was seen as more calm and collected than Trump. Trump was often interrupted by Biden and Wallace, and he frequently made false or misleading statements. Biden, on the other hand, was more measured in his responses and he avoided making any major gaffes.
One of the most memorable moments of the debate came when Trump refused to condemn white supremacists. When Wallace asked Trump to denounce white supremacists, Trump said, "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by." This statement was widely condemned by both Democrats and Republicans, and it led to accusations that Trump was tacitly endorsing white supremacy.
The debate was also notable for its discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump repeatedly downplayed the severity of the virus, and he claimed that it would "disappear" on its own. Biden, on the other hand, said that the virus was a serious threat to public health and that it needed to be taken seriously.
The debate was a significant moment in the 2020 presidential campaign. It gave voters a chance to see the two candidates side-by-side and to compare their views on the issues. The debate was also a reminder of the deep divisions that exist in American society.
What's next?
The next presidential debate is scheduled for October 15, 2020. The debate will be held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The debate will be moderated by Steve Scully of C-SPAN.
The two candidates will discuss a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. The debate is expected to be another closely watched event in the 2020 presidential campaign.