5 Big Moments From The Chaotic US 2020 Presidential Debate
The first US presidential debate of the 2020 election campaign descended into personal attacks and constant interruptions – as commentators spoke of a national embarrassment largely caused by Donald Trump’s aggressive behaviour.
Broadcasters on the CNN cable news channel immediately condemned the face-off between the US president and Democrat challenger Joe Biden as a “shitshow” and “a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck”.
The chaotic scenes in Cleveland, Ohio were marked by Biden’s low energy and attempts to speak directly to the camera, while Trump countered with ferocity and bullying. Moderator Chris Wallace, from Fox News, repeatedly failed to control the debate. Few coherent points were made.
It was the first of three scheduled presidential debates – and one vice presidential debate – but questions were being asked as to whether there is any point to completing the series. Here are some of the key moments from a bizarre night.
1. Exchange of insults
As the first discussion about the Supreme Court quickly turned to coronavirus, Trump claimed without evidence two million people would have died if Biden were president. In the real world, more than 200,000 have died on Trump’s watch.
Wallace pleaded with Trump, stating that Covid-19 would be discussed later in the debate – but the president attempted to muscle his way through. He said: “First of all, I guess I’m debating you, not him, but that’s OK. I’m not surprised.”
It was the start of the souring of the mood.
“Will you shut up, man? This is so unpresidential,” said Biden, exasperated, after repeated interruptions during only the first segment of the debate.
"Donald, would you just be quiet for a minute?"
We're only 14 minutes in.#Debates2020pic.twitter.com/EtHa3HGv0Y— Jenna Amatulli (@ohheyjenna) September 30, 2020
three old white men all talking over each other, just what i love to watch for two hours
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) September 30, 2020
