Clash of Styles:
The first and most apparent takeaway from the debate was the stark difference in style between the two candidates. President Donald Trump was often interruptive, speaking over Joe Biden, and at times, engaging in personal attacks. In contrast, Biden remained relatively calm and composed, focusing on delivering his messages clearly and directly to the audience.
Healthcare:
During the debate, healthcare emerged as a major point of contention. Biden advocated for expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and creating a public option, while Trump criticized the ACA and promised to protect people with pre-existing conditions. However, it should be noted that both candidates’ positions on healthcare are not entirely clear cut, as they have each made conflicting statements on the issue in the past.
Taxes and Economy:
The debate also touched upon taxes and the economy. Trump boasted about the country’s strong economic performance prior to the pandemic, while Biden emphasized the need for tax reform to support the middle class and small businesses. Both candidates’ proposals are complex and have received criticism from various sides; it is essential for voters to research their positions thoroughly.
Supreme Court:
A significant portion of the debate was dedicated to discussing the upcoming Supreme Court nomination. Biden reiterated his stance on allowing the Senate to consider the nominee during an election year, while Trump defended his decision to fill the vacancy left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This issue is likely to remain a contentious topic until the nominee is confirmed or the election results are announced.
5. Foreign Policy:
Lastly, the candidates addressed foreign policy issues, including China, Iran, and Russia. Biden criticized Trump’s handling of these matters and promised to re-engage with international allies. Trump, on the other hand, defended his approach and highlighted his administration’s accomplishments in areas such as peace deals between Israel and Arab nations.
September 11, 2020, marked an essential moment in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election as the two leading contenders, Democratic nominee Joe Biden and incumbent Republican president Donald Trump, squared off in their first presidential debate. This encounter took place at the
Case Western Reserve University
and the
Cleveland Clinic
, Ohio, with a live audience limited to essential personnel due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic
. The debate was moderated by
Chris Wallace
, the anchor of Fox News Sunday.
This face-to-face exchange between Biden and Trump was a crucial component of the election process, as it provided voters with an opportunity to assess the candidates’ character, policies, and preparedness for the presidency. With less than two months until Election Day on November 3, this debate represented a significant turning point in the race and a potential game-changer for both campaigns.
The evening’s topics ranged from domestic issues, such as the economy, healthcare, and climate change, to international affairs and national security. Each candidate aimed to showcase their strengths while criticizing their opponent’s weaknesses. The
pre-debate buildup
saw heightened anticipation and a flurry of media coverage, with both campaigns releasing numerous advertisements and statements in the lead-up to the event.
As the debate progressed, viewers were treated to a heated exchange between the two candidates on various issues. While some moments displayed respectful discourse, others descended into personal attacks and interruptions. In the end, the debate served as a valuable resource for voters in their decision-making process, as they gained insights into each candidate’s positions and leadership abilities.
Key Takeaway 1:: Healthcare Policies and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Overview of both candidates’ healthcare proposals:
- Joe Biden: The Democratic nominee aims to expand the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by implementing a public option, which would allow consumers to buy into a government-run healthcare plan. He also intends to provide additional subsidies to make insurance more affordable for the middle class.
- Donald Trump: The incumbent has been advocating for repealing the ACA, which would eliminate its provisions and leave millions of Americans uninsured. In its place, he proposed the ‘America First Healthcare Plan,’ which focuses on state control and market competition, but provides few details.
Discussion on their respective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Joe Biden:: If elected, Biden plans to prioritize a science-based approach to combating the virus. His strategy includes implementing a national mask mandate, providing increased funding for contact tracing and testing, ensuring schools can safely reopen with proper resources, and working collaboratively with international allies to develop a vaccine and distribute it efficiently.
Donald Trump:: The current administration’s approach centers on reopening schools, focusing on a quick economic recovery, and emphasizing vaccine progress. Trump has downplayed the severity of the virus and expressed skepticism towards public health guidelines, such as masks and social distancing.
Comparison of the two candidates’ approaches to healthcare and pandemic response:
Biden’s healthcare expansion plans aim to ensure greater accessibility and affordability, while Trump’s proposed repeal of the ACA could leave many uninsured. In terms of pandemic response, Biden focuses on scientific expertise and international cooperation, whereas Trump leans towards a quick economic recovery with less emphasis on public health guidelines. These contrasting approaches could significantly impact the future of healthcare and the nation’s response to the ongoing crisis.
I Key Takeaway 2:: Economic Policies and Jobs
Overview of both candidates’ economic proposals
- Joe Biden: The Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, has proposed creating jobs through significant investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and education. His plans include a $2 trillion infrastructure plan that would focus on modernizing roads, bridges, and public transportation. Additionally, Biden wants to invest in clean energy, create jobs in the renewable sector, and provide free community college education to help workers gain new skills.
- Donald Trump: The incumbent president, Donald Trump, has emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and energy independence as the keys to job growth. He argues that his administration’s policies have led to a strong economy before the pandemic hit. Trump’s tax cuts included reducing the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and he has worked to roll back regulations that he believes stifle economic growth.
Analysis of their contrasting views on economic recovery and job growth during the pandemic
- Joe Biden: Biden believes that the government needs to support workers and businesses during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. He proposes extending unemployment benefits, providing aid to small businesses, and investing in education, infrastructure, and clean energy to create jobs. Biden also believes in a fair tax system that asks the wealthy to pay their fair share.
- Donald Trump: Trump believes that his administration’s actions have led to a strong economic recovery. He argues that the stock market is doing well, and he has highlighted job numbers before the pandemic as evidence of his success. Trump continues to push for tax cuts and deregulation as the best way to create jobs.
Comparison of the two candidates’ economic visions and their implications for American workers
Biden’s economic vision focuses on investing in infrastructure, clean energy, education, and supporting workers during the pandemic. This could result in a more equitable distribution of wealth, with an emphasis on creating jobs that pay living wages. Biden’s tax plan would ask the wealthy to pay more, which could help reduce income inequality.
Trump’s economic vision emphasizes tax cuts and deregulation as the keys to job growth. While this approach has led to some economic gains in the past, it also risks widening income inequality and further enriching the wealthy at the expense of working-class Americans. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to economic recovery, which Biden’s plan seems to offer.
Key Takeaway 3:: Climate Change and Environment
Overview of both candidates’ proposals
- Joe Biden: Biden has proposed a $2 trillion plan to combat climate change and transition the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels. His plans include rejoining the Paris Agreement, investing in renewable energy, and protecting public lands. He aims to achieve a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.
- Donald Trump: Trump has focused on domestic energy production and withdrawal from international climate agreements. His administration rolled back numerous Obama-era environmental regulations, prioritizing the use of fossil fuels.
Contrasting views on climate change policies and implications for the future
Biden: Biden’s plans emphasize science, international cooperation, and sustainability. He believes that climate change is an existential threat requiring urgent action. If elected, the U.S. would likely rejoin global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead in innovation towards a clean energy future.
Trump: Trump has expressed skepticism of climate change and its human impact, stating that economic growth should take priority over environmental concerns. His administration’s policies have led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions and rollbacks of regulations meant to protect public health and the environment.
Comparison of the two candidates’ approaches and their impact on U.S. leadership in this area
Biden’s approach: A Biden presidency could reestablish the U.S. as a global leader on climate change, renewable energy, and environmental protections. His plans to invest in clean technologies could create jobs, spur economic growth, and reduce the U.S.’s carbon footprint.
Trump’s approach: Trump’s focus on fossil fuels and deregulation has set the U.S. apart from other countries in their efforts to address climate change. This could lead to a loss of influence on the global stage, as well as potentially negative long-term consequences for public health and the environment.
Key Takeaway 4:: Criminal Justice Reform and Social Issues
Overview of both candidates’ positions
Joe Biden:: The Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, has expressed his support for criminal justice reform by advocating for police reform measures such as the Justice in Policing Act and ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. He also supports prison sentencing reform, including the First Step Act which aims to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation programs for inmates.
Donald Trump:: The incumbent President, Donald Trump, has emphasized his stance on law and order throughout his campaign. He advocates for merit-based immigration policies, arguing that they will help maintain the safety of American communities. Trump has also expressed his intention to preserve traditional values and uphold the Second Amendment rights.
Analysis of their contrasting views
Biden:: Biden’s focus on criminal justice reform, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights represents a shift towards systemic change in American society. He aims to address the root causes of social issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination through comprehensive policy solutions. This approach has the potential to bring about significant improvements in American communities by reducing crime rates, promoting social inclusion, and protecting civil rights for all citizens.
Trump:: Trump’s emphasis on maintaining law and order, border security, and traditional values signifies a more conservative approach to social issues. His stance on crime prevention may appeal to voters who prioritize safety and the preservation of traditional American values. However, this perspective could also perpetuate existing social inequalities by focusing on individual behaviors rather than addressing underlying systemic issues that contribute to poverty, discrimination, and crime.
Comparison of the two candidates’ approaches
Biden’s focus on systemic change, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights contrasts sharply with Trump’s emphasis on maintaining law and order, border security, and traditional values. While both candidates have valid concerns about American society, their approaches to social issues indicate different priorities and potential impacts on American communities.
VI. Key Takeaway 5:: Foreign Policy and National Security
Overview of both candidates’ foreign policy proposals and national security priorities:
Joe Biden:: The former Vice President has proposed a foreign policy that emphasizes rebuilding alliances, focusing on multilateralism, and prioritizing diplomacy. Biden intends to restore the United States’ leadership role in international organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the World Health Organization. He has also pledged to work closely with allies to address shared challenges like climate change, terrorism, and global health crises.
Donald Trump:: The incumbent President’s foreign policy proposals revolve around his ‘America First’ philosophy, military strength, and transactional diplomacy. Trump has been critical of multilateral institutions and international agreements, often withdrawing the U.S. from them. He prioritizes military strength as a means to protect American interests and has pursued transactional deals with foreign leaders.
Analysis of their contrasting views on foreign policy and national security issues:
Biden’s focus:
– Global cooperation:: Biden believes that the U.S. should collaborate with other countries to address global challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
– Human rights:: He intends to prioritize human rights in U.S. foreign policy, using diplomacy and sanctions to hold countries accountable for abuses.
– Diplomacy:: Biden aims to rebuild U.S. relationships with key allies and restore trust through diplomatic engagement.
Trump’s focus:
– Transactional deals:: Trump often approaches foreign policy through bilateral negotiations, focusing on securing concrete benefits for the U.S.
– Military strength:: He believes that military strength is essential to protecting American interests and deterring adversaries.
– America First:: Trump has consistently prioritized U.S. national interests above all else in his foreign policy decisions.
Comparison of the two candidates’ approaches and their implications for U.S. leadership on the global stage:
Biden’s focus on diplomacy, cooperation, and human rights could lead to a more collaborative U.S. role on the global stage if elected. Conversely, Trump’s transactional approach and ‘America First’ philosophy have isolated the U.S. from its allies in some instances, raising questions about the long-term implications for American leadership and influence abroad.
Conclusion
September 11, 2020, Presidential Debate: In the highly-anticipated September 11, 2020, presidential debate between incumbent Donald Trump and his challenger, Joe Biden, several key issues stood out.
Firstly,
the candidates clashed over their respective records and visions for the economy. Trump boasted about his tax cuts and deregulation efforts, while Biden criticized him for mishandling the coronavirus crisis that plunged the economy into recession.
Secondly,
there was a heated exchange on racial justice and police reform, with Biden advocating for systemic change and Trump insisting that law and order must be maintained.
Thirdly,
the debate saw a contentious discussion on climate change, with Trump denying its existence and dismissing Biden’s plans as too costly.
Fourthly,
the candidates also debated on healthcare, with Biden promoting the Affordable Care Act and Trump vowing to repeal it. Lastly,
fifthly,
foreign policy was touched upon, with Biden accusing Trump of mishandling relations with America’s allies and China, while Trump defended his diplomacy as bold and effective.
Election Implications and Long-term Societal Impact
These issues are poised to shape the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election in significant ways. The economy, which remains a top concern for voters, could determine the outcome of several battleground states. The debate’s emphasis on racial justice and police reform reflects a growing movement in American society, and both parties are vying to address these issues effectively to win over voters. The starkly different visions on climate change also serve as a clear distinction between the candidates. Healthcare, another major concern for voters, is expected to be a contentious issue throughout the campaign. Finally, foreign policy, including relations with China and allies, could impact America’s standing on the global stage.
Long-term Implications
Beyond the election, these issues have long-term implications for American society. The economic recovery from the recession and the response to racial injustice will shape America’s future economic landscape and social fabric, respectively. The debate’s discussion on climate change underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate its impact on the planet. The candidates’ contrasting healthcare visions could lead to significant changes in access and affordability of healthcare services. Overall, the September 11, 2020, presidential debate provided a glimpse into how these issues will shape the election and American society in the years to come.
