Growing up, if I ever wanted something glazed, I didn’t need to go to Dunkin’ Donuts. All I had to do was turn on the news and watch five minutes of politics, and soon, my eyes would glaze over like a baker’s dozen.
It was dry, it was boring, and frankly, I didn’t care. For the longest time, I could never understand why people cared so much about politics. I’ve long held the belief that the President is more of a figurehead, you know, someone to praise and someone to blame. But as I’ve grown older, my beliefs have changed. I tend to think that if you live in America, it’s irresponsible to completely write it off and let someone else handle the burden of politics. Why would anyone not care about something that affects your life in so many ways? And as we inch closer to a potential WW3, deal with rising prices, and sift through the general unrest that grows in America today, it’s time to start paying attention.
Which is why I’m writing my thoughts on the debate.
Now you should know this: the biggest problem I’ve had and still have with politics is the biases of the news. I don’t like nor appreciate sifting through the obvious biases of the left and the right. In the perfect world, I just want the facts so I can allow myself the time to think.
I don’t really have a party.
In my life, I’ve voted for Democrats, and I’ve voted for Republicans. I try to judge candidates by the person they are and their track record instead of the colors they wear. There isn’t one party where I agree with everything they propose. And Hell, it would be nearly impossible to. Most people can’t even agree with their spouse on what they want to eat for dinner, yet we’re supposed to believe one party is right on every issue. That’s crazy thinking to me.
My view on presidents is a simple one.
I’ll support whoever’s in charge for the mere fact that they’re steering the ship that I live on. No matter who’s president, I genuinely want them to do well as it can only benefit me. And I only give this much backstory so you can understand where I’m coming from because politics are so divisive. In this article, I’m going to attempt to write without any personal bias and just share my thoughts so I can understand what I think. Because what is life without examining it?
It Lacked Substance
One thing that has always bothered me about politics and debates is the time restriction. We have professionals who dedicate their entire careers to solving problems, be it the economy, immigration, world relations, etc. Yet we only give our candidates a measly two minutes to answer issues that could take two days to answer? That’s not remotely close to being enough time to explain their position on such nuanced issues. I’d like to see a podcast where they can both dive into the issues and really explain what they mean without the pressure of a ticking clock.
The Moderators Were Surprisingly Even
It’s no secret, CNN leans left. And the fact that they came off as relatively impartial still blows my mind. Both Biden and Trump were asked tough questions, which, for those who have been following politics, really doesn’t usually happen. I appreciated this because the truth is, they both have blunders. They both have questions we need answers to. Now, of course, they could have done a better job of keeping both candidates on topic and fact-checking live, but I appreciated that they stayed out of it for the most part and let the candidates talk. Good on you, CNN.
The Facts
Both candidates will be fact-checked, as there were many half-truths, exaggerations, and outright lies. I actually think the format of the debate only promotes this with the time limit restrictions. To say the least, the facts were as clear as mud. And that’s being generous.
Biden Looked Old
It’s no secret, Biden had a rough night, and the video aspect of the debate didn’t help him… at all. He seemed and looked old. And not the good, wise old but the “I need a nap” kind of old. This was not a good look for Biden.
I believe that all that Biden needed to do was sound coherent and inspire confidence about the future. He did neither. This was a missed opportunity for him. Oftentimes, he looked lost, slow, and robotic. His answers seemed very rehearsed, which made me question how genuine they were, and they came off as if he was in a job interview aiming for the perfect answer. I would have liked to see him speak to the concerns of the American people and speak from his heart. Make no mistake, his party wishes he did a better job.
Trump Looked Confident
Love him or hate him, Trump came off as confident and charismatic. And because Biden came off as old, that only made Trump seem young despite being so close in age. The video format really did benefit Trump due to the direct comparison. You could see him speak and light up, but you never really saw that enthusiasm from Biden.
You need to remember that politics isn’t just about facts and policy. Human nature suggests that the factor of “Do they look like they can do the job?” plays a pretty serious part in influencing people. To me, Trump won in this department and won big.
I thought Trump mainly spoke to the concerns of the American people, and his answers didn’t seem rehearsed but rather off the cuff, which, to me, came off as genuine. Sure, he did have his typical Trump moments and exaggerations, but this was a more restrained Trump, a more presidential Trump, who, more times than not, often puts his foot in his mouth in these situations. This didn’t really happen last night. People walked away questioning whether Biden was too old to run and not Trump. This was a win.
Trump Didn’t Answer Some of the Questions
It was obvious Trump dodged some pointed questions, focusing on responding to Biden instead. I would have liked to see him respond to the questions at hand. And again, both candidates would have benefited from a longer format to give more thorough answers. Politics shouldn’t just be about sound bites. It should be about substance.
Biden Had a Few Singles
Biden did make a few good points, like saying there isn’t one world leader who wouldn’t trade places with him. That showed confidence, which he needed more of. Although he seemed slow, he did use some pretty lengthy facts, and I was frankly surprised mainly because of how he looked. He was more put together than I was led to believe.
Trump Won the Debate
Trump won the debate. And I use the word “debate” loosely. A true debate, which we’ll never get, should allow both candidates the time to completely share their views so the audience can understand the nuances of the issues. And umm, you know, actually debate and not just answer questions. That would be nice. Oh, and what about the other candidates? I would have loved to see them on stage, too. We get the chance to vote for them, after all.
To me, this debate seemed almost like a pageant. Who looked better? Who sounded better? Who was better at speaking to an audience? In this case, undoubtedly, Trump won. Trump seemed sharper mentally, and he was more charismatic, which, for better or worse, people look for in leaders. The story coming out of the debate isn’t really what they said; it’s a question of whether Biden is too old to run. This is why I believe Trump won.
Please like, comment, share, and tell me what you think. Who do you think won? Ultimately, when it comes to politics, vote for whoever you think would do a better job. Like I said, we’re a part of the same ship. No matter who wins, let’s pray they do a good job.
Also, don’t be afraid to share your views out of fear of judgment. I won’t judge you, but rather appreciate you. This is a safe space.
Great points. I almost didn’t read this because I just don’t want to hear people’s vitriol anymore, especiallyfrom people I usually love to read. I didn’t get that from you. I got honest feelings and thoughts without a wedge between sides of an argument.
I think many of us feel the same way.
Thank you so much, means the world – I really don’t want to share any biases one way or the other just examine my thoughts so i could process them – thank you so much for reading
“Politics shouldn’t just be about sound bites. It should be about substance.” 💯👏🏻
Thank you so much!!
Well said. 👌🏼
Thank you so so much!
Spot on !
Great post, Anthony! I have been an Independent for 20 years for all the reasons you gave (and because I dislike having to vote in the primary elections). I too, have voted for Republican and Democrat presidents in the past. I wish CNN would have had RFK Jr on as well. He’s not being taken seriously (by them or MSM) for the contender that he is.
I don’t think we can take another 4 years of Biden. Thank you for the ‘safe space’!
Thank you so much !! I wanted RFK too – i think he’s so interesting with his background, almost like a redemption story – and no problem, i want this to be open for everyone
He had a livestream during the debate where he answered the same questions as Trump & Biden. https://rumble.com/v545lnn-the-real-debate.html
Oh sweet – yes i will check that out thank you!
No problem! My friend told me about it.
I concur with your sentiments. I eagerly anticipate the implementation of law and order as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for reading! Very excited to see how this all plays out
Great recap. I’ll admit I didn’t watch for the very reasons you stated (No, old-age cataracts are not the reason my eyes glazed over).
It was probably less stressful not to watch – it was a long night to say the least – thank you for reading!
What scares me about this debate is 1) Biden’s concerning performance and 2) the fact that Trump avoided a ton of questions (example: when asked about January 6, he began talking about the economy. It scares me that these are our choices for the 2024 election.
It’s pretty wild how out of the 350 million people we have that live here it came down to these two – i personally think we should have age limits for office
Insane how we haven’t thought about age limits yet.
Commenting from your neighboring country, Canada. I think your choices are hot steamy poo, or old dried out poo. And I feel sorry for all Americans that these are the two candidates to choose from.
We’re dealing with our own clown up here, and I’m not going to brag but at least we have a candidate to choose from who says it like it is and has some common sense. Also he’s not 100 years old either.
Good luck down there!
Thanks please send down fries and gravy for support
Bureaucrats won’t allow that to be sent. LOL!
Hahah fitting!
I think it’s a puppet show. The puppets are actors who all work for the same production company. Everything by design and for a long time now the goal has been to destroy this country. I’d say it’s working.
I don’t think your wrong, I’m curious who the puppet master is
Lots of speculation on that question but no way to know for sure.
Thank you, Anthony, for your very reasoned approach to the “debate”. It was hard to watch for 90 minutes. I totally agree that the CNN anchors comported themselves with dignity and honestly giving both candidates tough fair questions – no gotchas. I am a registered Independent voter that leans toward libertarianism. Small government that stays out of my business except to protect our country. I also wish RFK had been on the stage but I know that would have made President Biden look even worse. I just wonder what the agenda is from the Dems to showcase Biden’s frailty at this late stage in the game. I’m sure they have known for some time that he is cognitively impaired. Sadly, I’ve seen clips on networks other than CNN over the past year that have shown his bobbles, wobbles and verbal mishaps. I was therefore not surprised at his performance – only saddened that he was put in that position by whatever powers that control him. It is a wakeup call to everyone who doesn’t follow politics. I was impressed that Trump didn’t take advantage and skewer Biden with an avalanche of nasty pointed barbs he is known for (other than calling him the worst president in history, which Biden countered that Trump was – a little like schoolyard taunts). Trump showed restraint. Maybe even a tiny bit of compassion for Biden’s condition.
I agree I thought Trump showed restraint and was less obnoxious than he could have been – I think many of us were surprised.
Would love to see RFK on stage
Run is a joke
Does the fact that Biden is clearly unwell make a Trump presidency a good idea?! Apparently it does. Happy to not be an American! 💵🇺🇸🗽🚀🌎
Why is he unwell? Trump is a man two year old blathering fool.
I’m in the UK, so this isn’t my turf – but I feel sorry for you having to make a choice between two inadequate / flawed characters. We have our own election here next Thursday and face a similarly impossible choice. An audience member in a televised debate last week asked the Tory and Labour leaders “are you really the two best people on offer?” Where are the viable, credible leaders? It was a great line, and I suspect one to which a number of my American friends can relate… Perhaps it can be asked in multiple countries around the world, and not just in democracies.
Wow what a bold question – i love it! Good luck!
I’m liberal/labour, centre left, which is equivalent to democrat I suppose. One thing I’ve never changed is my political beliefs, if anything they’ve grown stronger and I remain faithful to my party because I believe change is needed and possible. I do appreciate your views, in fact they’re refreshing in many ways. Trump is undoubtedly a showman, but not necessarily the better man.
Ezekiel, your last sentence says a lot. I think as a human being Biden is the better man hands down. And although I am an independent moderate who has real issues with the democratic platform, I was set to stand up for character in this election. Perhaps in this context though the better man might need to concede his limitations.
However when i looked at the possible Biden replacements I was not overwhelmed with their character or even convinced that character was much more than an election strategy for the party.
It seems that standing up for character this year means having personal character. Which is quite evident in your comment and in this thoughtful post.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Such a considerate post and great observations.I guess a person’s character cannot judged merely by delivering promises but by putting them into action.
I appreciate you reading! And your thoughts thank you!
That’s why I would love to see an actual debate just to give all parties time to really hash out and completely explain their positions and debate the pros and cons – I feel like everyone would be better for it.
Definitely! Like I said it’s refreshing to hear unbiased thoughts.
Love the site! I blog about the New York Mets, mets-madness.com feel free to check out my blog, this link is the correct one if you scroll all the way down on my blog you can subscribe, can you please follow mine too? Let’s help each other grow! -Mikayla
Anthony you have crafted a great contribution to the public discourse and have met your goals. Your willingness to take the time to respond to each comment demonstrates an appreciation of community. Whenever either party puts forth a candidate like this post I will vote in good conscience!!
Hahah thank you so much! I really appreciate this – here’s hoping they do
I love the analogy: he’s steering the ship I’m on. Things aren’t any better this side of the pond. I’ve never been less certain of who to vote for next week.
Ahh that’s tough -but that’s how I always look at it – we want the person to do good
True; it’s how we define that which differs so widely!
I think you are exactly right that President Biden looked older than his 81 years even and he seemed to feel pressured to get out as many facts as possible in a 2 minute segment. All very true. But!… trump lied 50 times in an hour and a half! He avoided the tough questions and his most memorable statement was “I didn’t sleep with a porn star” words that have never ever been uttered in a presidential debate before!!! Biden definitely had a terrible night and was over-rehearsed whereas Trump was relaxed and lied easily. 😆🤣Just my thoughts. America is in a mess.
We’re in for a long 4 months that’s Forsure
Yes, that’s for certain!! Good luck!
Thank you for this!
Very interesting analysis.
I find it completely absurd that the 2 main parties could not find a single person in all of America who is fresh, fit, and ready to run for leadership of this country. If there was someone like that running for president, I think it would do a lot for our country’s morale in regards to politics. Watching these two runners debate is not a morale booster in my humble opinion. Especially with looming tensions with hostile countries. *May the world know peace* ✌️
https://socialproblemsolutioncom.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/359/
Great post! I like how you wrote this blog post. You are fair in your opinions and showed how you are not one sided focusing about the person themselves instead of which party they belong to.
Thanks I tried to be! It’s hard because politics are so divisive but more than anything I just want unbiased news
I would like to see them do power point presentations to cue their thoughts and keep the. On topic and verify the data. Most professional speakers either use slides or teleprompters. Neither candidate could site any statistics.. accurately or inaccurately
Yeah that’s a really good call would love that
I thought the questions by the moderators were kind of oblique. I couldn’t understand what they were trying to ask. A question like “ what is you position on access to abortion” would be straightforward
Totally agree
Here’s one of the flaws in American politics (and it’s actually in the hands of the voters): everyone comes out and pays attention to the candidates every four years and discusses them with family and friends, but far fewer do so when it comes to voting for their leaders in the Senate and the House — which is where the real decision making gets done. Fewer still show up at the booths to vote for their local representatives (those at the state level). What we honestly need in this country is a more knowledgeable, actively concerned proletariat who — as you have stated — does NOT depend on mass (or God help us, social) media to inform their choices, but does their own research with unbiased sources. And, we need to STOP voting along party lines.
The President really can’t do anything without the backing of the Senate, who can’t really do anything without the backing of the House. So please, if you’re reading this, remember to vote for more than just the President.
Dear motionmasquerade
My sentiments exactly!! For a whole host of reasons I cannot And WILL NOT cast a vote for the top of the ticket for either candidate or his party. HOWEVER I am researching and pondering every other candidate especially the mayor and school board of Oceanside California where I’ve lived for 43 years. I admit I have never been this responsible before but I have also never been so disgusted. In my opinion there isn’t the option of voting for the “lesser of two evils” this time. But that’s not going to stop me from voting. Many good people have served in our military and made incomprehensible sacrifices for the sake of freedom and the American nation. The least I can do is cast a vote—— for something on the ballot. A proposition if nothing else.
Btw I am a registered nonpartisan meaning I’m not even an independent (which is a party). I am a (white) Christian orthodox believer (not evangelical in the current political sense of that label). Just wanted to make that clear
Sorry for the excessively long reply.
Really enjoyed this. I like the way you think. I would like to subscribe to get future posts but I don’t see the button. Mine mysteriously went away some time ago and I had to add it again. I think others would like to get notice.
Love the site! I blog about the New York Mets, mets-madness.com feel free to check out my blog, this link is the correct one if you scroll all the way down on my blog you can subscribe, can you please follow mine too? Let’s help each other grow! -Mikayla
The post is useful! Thanks the author!!
Glad you enjoyed, thank you
Imagine someone 100 years in the future watching this debate and wondering how American politics had come to this (assuming that America is still semi-intact 100 years in the future).
Ha!
I don’t think this time in our history will be looked back favorably that’s for sure
Seems like I’m inspired to watch the debate in YouTube 😂
Hahah enjoy!
Greetings! I trust this message finds you in great spirits. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to connect and nurture a meaningful friendship with you. Moreover, I’m eagerly looking forward to delving into your captivating article. Please do follow me so we can embark on this journey together!
I’d like to hear/see a discussion about this “Project 2025” that people have been going on about. I researched it briefly, just to see what it’s about, and it seems that Republicans have put together a “job description/guidelines” for the next republican president. Thoughts, concerns, clarity?
Biden can be on hospice! I’m voting for him!
https://socialproblemsolutioncom.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/359/
Nice 🙂
Thanks again for checking my business and products clipped at my desk today
Well said
I vote according to the responsibility given to what I think are the driving issues and I don’t care about party affiliation. But let’s face it, one of the main qualifications for running for president is being a psychopath, and every single president we’ve ever had has fulfilled that criteria. Every. Single. One. So let’s start with knowing and fully accepting that, then move on. (If you don’t believe that statement, try reading: Political Ponerology: The Science of Evil, Psychopathy, and the Origins of Totalitarianism)
I don’t watch mainstream news, so the debate was not the first time I saw Biden looking fatigued, lost or unsure of what was going on around him. I’m a bit shocked that so many people seem to think his decline is something recent. It is not, and clearly you have not been paying attention. I’m glad you see it now, though. Better late than never.
Let’s stop pretending presidents and presidential candidates have never lied before. My God. They have been lying my entire life and I’m 67. I’m not going to go back through history and point out all the many lies, but it should suffice to say that we are overly hung up on something that should be known as part and parcel of the job. They lie. They ALL lie. Next?
Yes, Trump can be confident, bombastic and full of himself, but it’s not like we haven’t seen that before. (Teddy Roosevelt or LBJ ring any bells?) I’d like to see what he can do if he’s not being hamstrung his entire presidency. I don’t doubt for one minute that he loves this country and wants to see us get our act together. As a successful businessman he knows that benefits everyone.
If you go back through Biden’s career history there are so many red flags. His conduct was often in question and his voting record shows he’s not the congenial, presidential type of guy he pretends to be. His border policies have done irreparable damage to this country while he continues to care more about the safety and border security of other countries than our own border here at home. Meanwhile, I’ve watched my grocery bill double, my home heating oil soar (while Biden sells off our reserves) and my taxes increase so we can fund wars in other parts of the world. All the while Biden is napping and taking weekends off.
Dementia is a frightening and sad illness, but anyone who has lost a loved one to any of it’s many forms will recognize the signs of it’s trajectory. I am one of those unfortunate people, so I’ve been watching Biden closely his entire presidency. He was showing several of those early symptoms initially, and they’ve worsened in the last few months. This often happens with travel, loss of sleep and a hectic schedule that doesn’t allow for a familiar routine. On a personal level it is elder abuse to keep pushing a sick man. On a national level it is reprehensible, and the word is judging us for it.
Good perspective. I love you
You have some really interesting political adventure going on there.
Thanks so so much!
Trump 2024
❤️❤️❤️
Fight Fight Fight. Pelosi Schiff and Nadler attempted to impeach Trump over his refusal to intervene in the Ukraine/Russian war. Bunk on the SS Federal bureaucrat corruption which attempted to pull another Kennedy Kennedy King assassinations & Bay of Pigs — Vietnam war of imperialism.
I agree that Trump was ready for the debate. Great opinion in the entire article.
Thank you so much!