18 Non-Americans Are Reacting To The Trump Vs. Biden Debate, And Basically, The World Is Terrified For The United States
Last week, current President Joe Biden and former president (and convicted felon) Donald Trump "debated" each other for 90 minutes as Americans cringed at their screens.
I was curious to hear what non-Americans thought while watching the debate, so I asked members of the BuzzFeed Community who live in other countries to share their honest reactions. Here's what they had to say:
1."The entire 'debate' was a farce. We were watching from Canada, desperately hoping that Biden did well. Within five minutes, it was apparent that he was just not well enough. His voice shook, and his sentences were incoherent. It was sad. I wanted to tuck him into bed with a cup of hot cocoa. Meanwhile, Trump didn't answer a single question. And what the hell are 'Black jobs?' Sigh. It's not looking good for the US, North America, or the world."
—Anonymous
2."It's disheartening, to say the least. As a German, I grew up looking up to the US and being thankful for what they have done for our country after WWII. But now it feels like I'm watching the country completely self-imploding."
"I had to laugh aloud when Trump said the US was respected under him. What planet does that man live on?! I'm sorry to say it, but he turned the country into a laughing stock, at least as far as Europe is concerned."
3."I watched the debate from beginning to end; it was equally cringe and sad, wildly uncomfortable. At one point, I had to pause it and walk away for 20 minutes."
"Usually, I find these debates entertaining, but this defied logic, reason, and reality! It made me afraid for Americans and Canadians. What happens below us makes us nervous!! We had a group chat during the debate, and we went from being gleefully excited to watch the circus to being depressed that we ever had a ticket to the event. They made Justin Trudeau look like Iron Man."
—Anonymous
4."I am from the UK, and I think they are both too old, although I would pick Biden any day over the megalomaniac whom we know as the Donald. English politics is pretty bad, but at least our politicians speak coherently and are under 70."
—Anonymous
5."As a non-American, my thought was: Y'all went from Obama to this?! It's incredible how a Black man has to be near perfect to be considered fit for the presidency, but an old white man can either be fit for the senior home or fit for prison."
"It's sad how much racism holds America back! I saw Trump say that America was most respected under him, but really, it was most respected under Obama. Good luck, America; we're rooting for you and seriously hoping you don't give access to the nuclear codes to the orange one!"
6."I'm Canadian, and I feel horrible for all the Americans. Terrible options. Trump is a horrible person and will no doubt strip away more rights while Biden is too old to do anything."
—Anonymous
7."Look, we're in the middle of a shit show, too, in France. So, I'm not impressed, surprised, or confused. It's just a sad world we're living in, with crazy, stupid men trying to rule the world for power and money."
8."The debate was beyond sad. I have no clue how the USA is going to address this mess. I can't believe that nobody has even considered what this madness looks like to the world."
9."The debate was so embarrassing; honestly I cringed. I am SO glad and fortunate to be in the GCC, where we don't have to see this."
"Yes, monarchy can be a problem, but the way it's done here puts America to shame. Women have equal rights and equal pay by law. Maternity leave by law up to three months, fully paid salary, AND benefits — free healthcare and education. The locals are very well paid in their jobs and rarely in poverty. Most have a bachelor's degree, and generally, more women are engineers, doctors, and lawyers here than men. I can go on forever. It's sad that when I go visit the States, I see lots of homeless people and student debts and the horrible healthcare system, and two old grumpy white men are fighting about who's taller and a better golfer. Kuwaiti living in Dubai."
—Anonymous
10."The debate was terrifying. Trump blatantly lying about things we KNOW are facts, Biden trying to spin sending weapons to Israel as a positive, and arguments about golf handicaps?! I live in Canada, and it's absolutely scary that this is the best that the USA has to offer. The whole system is broken if an 81-year-old and a convicted felon were the best options."
—Anonymous
11."Canadian here. I didn’t watch it live, but read about it the next day. Even that was painful. Biden is a marginally better option (morals, competency to do the job), but my god, what happened to the guy at the State of the Union?"
"There needs to be an age limit, and a convicted, incompetent felon should already have been disqualified. Surely there are other qualified people to run for your presidency? Right?"
—Anonymous
12."I'm from Canada, and after watching the debate yesterday night, I am glad that I don't live in the US."
—Anonymous
13."Trump is a jerk, and I can't believe anyone down there trusts him. I used to look up to the States and be proud to live next door. Now, I think that country needs to get Democrats in there and get rid of Trump."
—Anonymous
14."Seeing articles and watching videos about America, it seems like one of those completely off-the-wall reality TV shows."
"Over the past few years, things seem to have gotten crazier and crazier, with Trump and the amount of conspiracy wackos there are. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of problems in the UK as well! But I definitely think differently about America now compared to when I was younger."
15."Canadian here. America is broken. It will take years to fix what's been done if it can be fixed. The Republican Party needs to be blown up and rebuilt from the ground up with actual adults who want what's best for the country rather than peddling conspiracy theories and sending women's rights back to the Stone Age. Both parties need to stop putting geriatrics as their party leaders. And above all, this nonsense needs to stop bleeding into the rest of the world."
—Anonymous
16."Honestly, the States are a dumpster fire, and last night's debate proves it. Ten Commandments in schools, overturned Roe v. Wade, and the best you can do are these two clowns."
—Anonymous
17."To sum up, the United States is more deeply divided than ever before. I hope that the next younger generation of politicians can heal your country. The world needs a strong America, uniting all democracies and working with allies, not driving them toward China as happened with Saudi Arabia and not experiencing disasters like the chaotic Afghanistan retreat. Democrats and Republicans, please be united patriots instead of starting a civil war!"
—Anonymous
And finally...
18."As a Canadian, it scares me to death that America is headed in a very scary direction, because if you go down, you're taking us with you."
—Anonymous
If you're a non-American, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
