The Debate's Impact on Biden and Trump: An Analysis
Introduction
The recent presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has been heavily scrutinized, with some suggesting that Trump completely destroyed Biden's campaign. However, a closer look at the debate reveals a more nuanced picture. This article delves into the performances of both candidates, examining what worked, what didn't, and whether Biden or Trump was the clear winner.
Trump's Bombastic Performance
Trump entered the stage with his signature high energy and confidence. His responses were eloquent, bursting with zeal, and at times, inflammatory. However, it became evident that much of what he said was not aligned with the facts or did not answer the questions posed. Famously, CNN did not fact-check the president during the debate, allowing him to continue his barrage of unverified statements. It is crucial to understand that while Trump's energy was undeniably present, his ability to provide substantive answers was limited. He often remained focused on throwing punches rather than addressing the questions directly.
Biden's Struggles and Achievements
Biden, on the other hand, demonstrated a much more measured approach. He was articulate and, for the most part, stayed on topic, managing to answer the questions asked with honesty and depth. However, there were instances where his energy seemed low, and he struggled to maintain his train of thought. His supporters might argue that these moments of hesitance were due to his declining health, as he self-proclaimed a cold during the debate. The key takeaway from Biden's performance is that he answered questions thoroughly and maintained a more balanced and composed demeanor compared to Trump's fiery rhetoric.
The Poll Impact and Subsequent Trends
Despite the widely differing views on the debate, the impact on public opinion has been mixed. According to the RealClearPolitics (RCP) average, there was a modest shift in the polls, with Trump gaining a lead after the debate, which was then quickly lost. This volatility indicates that while the debate might have affected short-term perceptions, it did not significantly alter the overall race. The FiveThirtyEight (538) model, which relies more on fundamentals rather than polls, places Biden with a slight edge, positioning the election as very close.
The Aftermath and Healing
Following the debate, the media and voters alike awaited the outcome. Interestingly, Trump retreated to Mar-a-Lago for the next 10 days, likely to regroup and heal his campaign wounds. This downtime might have provided Biden with an opportunity to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses in Trump's performance, although the ultimate impact remains debatable.
Conclusion
While the debate saw both candidates fighting for an advantage, the reality is that neither completely destroyed the other. Trump's effectiveness was largely fueled by his bombastic and inflammatory rhetoric, often at the expense of factual accuracy. Biden, meanwhile, demonstrated a measured approach, maintaining a solid performance in the face of a highly unscrupulous opponent. Ultimately, the election remains a very close race, with polls and experts presenting different forecasts based on various factors.