Official Thread: First Presidential Debate.

At least this means that Biden will visit Ohio.

From OP's link:

90-minute forum will be divided into six 15-minute segments without commercial breaks.

Wallace shared the topics with the Commission on Presidential Debates, but specific questions will not be shared with either the commission or the candidates.

The topics are as follows:

· The Trump and Biden records

· The Supreme Court

· The COVID-19 coronavirus

· The economy

· Race and violence in the cities

· The integrity of the election

Clueless coastal elites. I want to know about what the candidates will do about immigration and border security!!!!!1111

Listen to this shit from today. Second half, they follow-up with undecided votes on the phone. Undecided voters are the worst.

[quote] —Defacto

Cunt. Eat Trump's shit and die.

[quote] At least this means that Biden will visit Ohio.

Ohio isn't a battleground state, it is going for Trump, Biden's time is better spend elsewhere.

Re R4, fucking LISTEN TO these people. Jesus.

re Ohio. From yesterday.

[quote]At least this means that Biden will visit Ohio.

Ohio is a state full of deploarbles who deserve their situation for voting based on racism and bigotry. Idiots.

My guess is the pressure might be more than Biden can handle and he will stumble more than a few times trying to complete a thought or sentence. If he says something completely off the rails, which isn't unusual given his history, there will be damage. I'm 100% anti-Trump but am sorely disappointed this is the best Democrat we could find to lead this country.

It’s gonna be a circus

I bet the press will ignore Trump going off the rails and focus on any mistakes Biden makes.

Make this the "unofficial" thread when it happens to piss op off.

Biden is leading in Ohio. But, let's get back to the debate. Trump will present lies and force Biden to refute them, thereby putting him on the defensive. Unless he is called out on the untruths either by Biden or Wallace, he wins the debate. Biden must have hard facts and not be the Uncle Joe. Dems want him to fight, not just sit back and see if Trump implodes. Put him on the defensive, especially about Covid.

Kamala vs Pence is the debate I'm really looking forward to seeing!

R4 that was fascinating. Thanks for posting!

R10 my thoughts are that the republicans have been a bit too rabid every time Biden slightly misspeaks, to the point where expectations are so low for Biden that he doesn’t have to do much to surpass them.

r13 Im sure there will be 20-30 "official threads" started by people who don't know how to search the site.

I agree with r12. This whole debate is really about Joe. Trump's response to all these topics can been seen by turning on your television to any news program where the stories are pushed day and night. Joe will need a way to get under Trump's skin, and it won't be by admonishing him on topics that he gives two shits about.

It might be the best, but the least important.

Undecided voters NOW? After all this? Please, give me a fucking break. They’re a bunch of trolls.

95% of voters are decided. The debates won’t change things. That said, it’s nice that there’s no audience.

R15 is it too late to replace pence with tulsi?

[quote] republicans have been a bit too rabid every time Biden slightly misspeaks, to the point where expectations are so low for Biden

Republicans would know all about low expectations with that great orator Trump.

The beginning part of the debate has topics that Biden can hammer Trump on. #2,3,4 are the topics most Americans want to hear about. It's a favorable lineup for Biden.

The Trump and Biden records

· The Supreme Court

· The COVID-19 coronavirus

· The economy

· Race and violence in the cities

· The integrity of the election

[quote] It's a favorable lineup for Biden.

Shocker.

Actually the opposite, R24. The topics are clearly in Trump's favor.

Race and violence in the cities - Why isn't it Race and Policing? It's directly taken out of the Trump playbook and Barr's anarchy jurisdictions. You can hear him already. Then we have the economy, Biden's record, elections, SCOTUS.. We know how this will go down.

The only topic in Biden's favor is COVID.

The audience will be very small, something Trump does not like:

According to Dr. James Merlino, a Cleveland Clinic executive, the September debate audience will be kept small, likely no more than 200 people, and now-familiar public health protocols — “sanitizing hands, testing, doing health screenings, wearing masks, all of that” — will be in place for the debate.

Oh there’s going to be an audience? That’s silly.

Oh there’s going to be an audience? That’s silly.

[quote] The audience will be very small, something Trump does not like:

True. Trump really only feels comfortable and emboldened with his cheering/jeering KKK crowds.

"The Trump and Biden records "

Trump-None

Biden-Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis

Why isn't trans rights on the agenda?

I'm with R20! In this particular election, if STILL undecided, they are probably not smart enough to vote in the first place.

If Biden shows up with a few perfectly-worded, professional, and absolutely SCATHING comments for every debate topic and for every Trump fuck-up, we'll have a real game.

If Biden shows up and plays nice and by the rules, Trump is gonna walk all over him with bullshit like, "Wrong!" and "No puppet, you're the puppet!"

[quote]In this particular election, if STILL undecided, they are probably not smart enough to vote in the first place.

The undecideds are more likely about voting at all. Losing RBG's seat better make the couch sitters on the left get off their butts and send a ballot.

Half of the voting age public that doesn't vote at all.

R34 is right. All Biden has to do is get the upper hand and never relinquish it. That can be done with a few well-timed, dismissive and mocking retorts to Trump. Trump is EASY to make fun of and he hates it more than anything.

All Biden has to do is speak in complete sentences and express himself reasonably well.

Fox has convinced people that Biden is senile. I hear this and see this in online comments.

Once they see this is not true, that Biden is not, in fact, senile- (and extra points if Trump starts rambling somewhat incoherently as he is wont to do), I suspect many will switch their votes to Biden.

Kamala's team managing expectations as per Bloomberg News:

[quote]Kamala Harris’s team is working to manage public expectations that her upcoming debate with Vice President Mike Pence will present her with an easy opponent, despite her withering attacks on Democratic rivals in earlier presidential primary debates. As the Democratic vice-presidential nominee readies for the face-off on Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City, her team has cast former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to play Pence in mock debates, according to two people familiar with the preparations.

[quote]Buttigieg has become a top surrogate for the Biden campaign. Buttigieg received a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, was added to the transition team’s advisory board and is expected to join the administration if Biden wins.

Trump knows how to play to television. That's his strength and something that he can't be allowed to use to intimidate Biden.

Maybe Biden can get "meta" when Cheeto says something false/crazy and just look at the camera, Office style, with a "Can you believe this tiresome shit?" look. And then he'd turn to Cheeto or the moderator and respond.

[quote]All Biden has to do is speak in complete sentences and express himself reasonably well.

That's what Hillary did.

I wish people would stop comparing Biden's situation to Hillary's. He has not as much of the baggage she had. So many people despised her for one reason or another. Also, Biden is following four years of Trump. She might have been the most qualified candidate in many years, but she had too much to overcome ( some of it her own doing). The media also made it seem as if Hillary could not lose, causing many not to even bother casting a ballot. The same situation is not present today.

Trump not prepping, but focusing on attack lines. What a surprise. But, he knows television and what will be covered.

Remember folks, the debates don’t determine the outcome. Hillary swept the floor with Dump in all three.

They must do live fact checking. Trump will lie through all of it.

The debate is tricky for Joe because he has to stay on message and not get dragged down in a mud fight with Cheeto. Cheeto will be up to his usual tricks.

But what Biden should do is nail down how his platform and plans will be of benefit to the American people. Just talk as if directly to the people, and say, this is the terrible situation in the last 4 years, this is what you lost, this is how I'm gonna improve things for you.

On the other hand, Joe could go with the strategy of just being rational and calm and telling the truth.

He doesn't have to remember much other than the truth because his opponent doesn't even know what the truth is. And, he doesn't really need a ton of facts--just some to prove that he can--because 45 has NONE.

Just show up, be charming most of the time, passionate part of the time and SANE.

But I still think there will be a manufactured crisis this (High Holiday) weekend that prompts the shitstain to call off the debate.

I think Joe should just ignore Trump. Let him bloviate and lie and fume and sniff and snort all he wants and just ignore it. Trump wants to be the center of every question and every response and every sentence uttered. He wants a back-and-forth on every question. He wants to dominate the entire thing because he's a malignant narcissist who can't stand anyone talking about anything other than him. Ignoring him would drive him crazy and leave Joe to just answer the questions calmly and rationally and truthfully, which is something that won't be going on at the other podium.

Biden has to call Trump out on his lies and do the fact checking on his biggest untruths. By now, everyone knows what they are and, if Trump is doing no prep, Biden can easily refute with facts. But Trump will depend totally on one line zingers which will delight his deplorables and make headlines. He will look large, composed, and in control. Biden fact checking him and pretty much calling him a liar will break the false bravado and expose him for a fraud.

We know Joe will be against wall-to-wall lies and smears, which takes days and months to fact check and debunk. He can't be seen as only attacking Cheeto - that translates into 'I don't have anything to offer' to the average low info voter who tunes in. He has to be seen as talking to the voters.

He should forcefully call out the lies. But then pivot to how the lies, corruption, incompetence and rampant egomania endanger the nation and the people, how he intends to fix all that damage and right the ship.

Biden should start with this sentence.

When Trump opens his mouth, it is a lie, so we need to get that clear right off the bat.

You’ve done nothing for the part 4 years except golf, stuff your fat mouth and line your family’s pockets while Americans have died en masse due to your incompetence. Here’s a dictionary if anything I just said doesn’t make sense. Not that you would know how to reference one. Now sit down.

Biden: " The only true thing that Mr. Trump has said in four years is," I don't take responsibility at all..."

"Donald Trump will face Joe Biden within days for the first of three presidential debates, and some of the president’s supporters are already bracing for a humiliating loss."

Calling him mentally defective could backfire.

Biden is a seasoned campaigner. He needs to be cool calm and rational until the ass hat starts to interrupt. Then, he should be willing to come out like a bulldog. He is capable, and I am sure they are preparing him for this. He just needs the proper balance between fairness and get off my lawn.

What's the over/under on the number of times Trump sniffs?

This is how I want to see Trump after the debate with Biden.

I have lived all over the US, and the dumbest motherfuckers I’ve ever met are from Ohio. It’s like it’s in the water there. Complete, drooling, can’t-believe-they-can-back-our-of-their -driveway morons.

I'm sure Biden can handle himself, but I can't help wondering what a yappy, younger alpha male would do to Trump onstage.

In 2016, it was all grandiose promises and blowhard blather, against a woman trying not to "act bitchy". An educated, experienced candidate with plans and enthusiasm would destroy him (and a minority one would be delicious).

This is how it's done.

Democrats want open borders, let China take over the world, let north Korea have nukes, have poor whites pay for affirmative action and food stamps, Let blm rule the streets and kill off whites like in South Africa, shut down all businesses for covid, .

Once the economy collapses, Democrats s will be throwing gays off buildings. Vote Trump because your life depends on it, especially gays.

^^Oh, dear. We don't even get ESL trolls anymore. We must be getting ETL (English as a Third Language) trolls now.

Jesus, R61. You come from the land of Tolstoy and Pushkin and Gogol and Dostoyevsky. Can’t you write any better than that? You’re a disgrace to your ancestors.

The best debate moderators offer up “easy” questions — What are your plans to control the pandemic? What is your China policy? — and then step back and let the candidates choose where they want to take the conversation. In general, debates are the wrong time for “tough” questioning, especially gotcha questions in which the moderator tries to force a candidate to explain a flip-flop or contradictory promises. Candidates can bring up such things about their opponents, but the moderator is usually on firmer ground bringing up general topics, and leaving it to the candidates to attack if they choose.

Debates don't affect the election.

Biden needs to repeat this if asked about his mental fitness:

But when asked about his mental fitness by a reporter in North Carolina, Biden turned it around by reciting a list of some of Trump’s most infamous mental gaffes and lapses.

“Look at him,” Biden told WRAL’s Cullen Browder earlier this week. “I’m not the guy who by the way said the problem with the Revolutionary War is we didn’t have enough airports. I’m not the guy who said the attack that took down the trade towers was on 7-Eleven.”

And, Biden added, he’s not the guy who advised injecting bleach to treat the coronavirus.

“I do know the difference between truth and lies, between good and bad, between hope and fear,” he said. “So just watch me and make your decision.”

Biden has in the past called questions about age and health “legitimate” for candidates past the age of 70, including both himself and Trump.

But as he did this week, he’s urged voters to watch both him and Trump and make their own judgements.

“Watch me,” he said last month as he laughed off Trump’s attacks.

The two candidates face off next week in their first debate.

Biden told WRAL he was ready.

“I’m an old athlete, and I’m used to dealing with bullies,” he said. “What I’m going to do is insist that we talk about the president’s failures. He’s going to want to make it personal, he’s going to want to get in the mosh pit, I’m going to talk about why I want to be president of the United States, what I’m going to do, and where he’s failed.”

R6 latest Fox poll has Biden leading in Ohio by 5 pts.

Trump is getting desperate and this first debate is crucial to him, although there are very few undecideds. Watch him come out swinging like a madman.

Opinion

How to Debate Someone Who Lies

Truth sandwiches, ridicule and other tactics for Joe Biden when he faces President Trump.

By Richard A. Friedman

Dr. Friedman, a contributing opinion writer, is a professor of clinical psychiatry and the director of the psychopharmacology clinic at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

Sept. 25, 2020

(Philippe Reines) has some very specific advice for Biden. “He has to, at the beginning, say, ‘Look, everybody, I don’t mean to spoil the debate, but I’ll tell you what’s going to happen: Donald, you’re going to stand here and you’re going to lie. Everyone watching knows it. And we all see right through it.’ He can’t rely on the moderator. He can’t rely on the postdebate analysis. He can’t rely on anyone but himself to be the player and the play-by-play announcer. And it sounds so obvious, but it’s such a hard thing to do in the moment, to pronounce yourself the winner or to repeatedly call someone a liar. Hillary spent too much time defending herself. I don’t mean that she made a mistake, but that was the last debate between one person who was playing traditional ball and someone who is just a bulldozer to norms.”

[quote]Biden has in the past called questions about age and health “legitimate” for candidates past the age of 70, including both himself and Trump.

And he should follow up with this:

So my legitimate question is, why was Trump rushed to the Walter Reed center and given the 'man woman camera" test? The WH claim that it was a routine checkup doesn't even begin to pass the smell test.

The article at R70 is correct, Joe cannot presume this is going to be a regular debate. Trump is going o the attack from the very start and will not let up. Biden cannot afford to merely appear presidential. His supporters, both enthusiastic and wavering, demand he be aggressive.

DL never wants to hear it, but here is the fact: Hillary was awful in the 2016 debates. Put her words in a man's mouth and you'll see how bad she did.

He should talk about the mini strokes like they’ve already been proven.

· The Trump and Biden records - Trump will say he doesn't have any, uses ipod instead and his favorite is 'I'm Proud to be an Okie from Muskogie"

· The Supreme Court - Trump will bring out Amy and grab her pussy

· The COVID-19 coronavirus - Trump will call it kung flu from Shyna

· The economy - It be best!

· Race and violence in the cities - Trump's take will be, if there was no race, there'd be no violence

· The integrity of the election - Trump will need the word "integrity" explained by Chris

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From Newsweek:

With the first U.S. presidential debate of 2020 expected to occur on Tuesday, polling data released Thursday showed President Donald Trump gaining on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Biden is ahead of Trump nationwide by an average of 7 points according to RealClearPolitics. How Biden performs during the debates could be a determining factor in how some voters cast their ballots. Trump has called Biden mentally unfit to run the U.S. and called his performance during the Democratic debates "a disaster." Biden said in September he was "looking forward" to debating the president.

In a Yahoo News/YouGov poll, 45 percent of registered voters in the U.S. plan on voting for Biden. President Trump had the support of 40 percent of those surveyed. When the question was presented by the poll to voters earlier this month, Biden led by 49 percent while President Trump garnered 39 percent.

I see they got Republican asslicker Chris Wallace to moderate. He's such a beta he calls ever other male 'Sir'.

Chris Wallace is not a fan of Donald Trump. Better him than one of the other Fox traitors.

I'm sure the families of 200,000 dead Americans are thrilled that COVID gets a WHOLE FIFTEEN MINUTES of discussion.

How about spending the entire fucking debate on the biggest current threat to our lives and economy? Is it really so much to ask our Dear Leader to defend his COVID response for 90 minutes?

15-minute segments on ANYTHING is a ridiculous insult. This is why we can't get anything done. The most complicated problems in the world get reduced to a matter of minutes of discussion time.

My last job interview was longer than 90 minutes.

Reichstag is trending on Twitter. Is this what is scheduled to get the Orange It off the hook for debating?

[quote] Governor Kate Brown on Friday declared a weekend state of emergency for Oregon’s biggest city, saying “white supremacist groups” were travelling from out of state to attend an event the Proud Boys say was organized to “end domestic terrorism.”

[quote] The self-declared “Western chauvinist” Proud Boys have publicized the protest on Facebook for weeks, despite the social network’s pledge to block such pages, according to images provided by the Tech Transparency Project seen by Reuters. Facebook said on Friday that it had removed the pages.

[quote] The Proud Boys will gather at noon at Delta Park, about 6 miles north of downtown. Left-wing groups will hold a counter protest about 2 miles away. Police aim to keep them apart.

I don’t like Pete Buttigieg. I think there’s something wrong with his head. He’s got a kind of Mortimer Snerd/Howdy Doody thing going on with his head, which is always indicative of strange mental things. Weird-headed people always turn out to have some huge personality failure going in that they hide very well for a while, then it finally comes out.

Or sometimes the weird-head person isnt really hiding their personality failure, but the media is ignoring it, like with Trump. Trump is a weird-head with multiple personality failures & the media thought he was just some harmless Runyonesque character who was playing a part. He’s not playing a part & never was. But I can see Pete playing the part of the dutiful son who joined the military to prove he’s a man to his family so he could finally admit to them that he’s gay. I think there’s something going in with him that’s not copacetic.

[quote] Trump has told associates he wants to talk specifically about his opponent’s son Hunter Biden and mused that the debates are when “people will finally realize Biden is just not there,” according to one adviser. The president is so eager to lay into his rival that he has called aides to test out various attacks, focusing on broadsides that cast Biden as a longtime Washington insider with a limited record of accomplishment, said another adviser, who like many interviewed for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe private talks.

[quote] Biden and his advisers are anticipating a venomous barrage, according to a person with knowledge of their thinking, and they are preparing to counter with an affirmative case for a Biden presidency. The Democrat wants to stay focused on how he would address the coronavirus pandemic and the country’s economic problems, which he blames Trump for worsening.

[quote] “When you go at his family, he becomes hotter than hell, which is part of the thing I worry about,” said John Morgan, a Florida trial lawyer and major Biden donor. “I think what Biden has to be careful about is not letting his Irish temper blow when that happens.” Biden’s emotion, especially when it comes to his family, has often been a strong suit. But he has also shown a tendency to lose his composure when his record, and especially his decency, are questioned — such as when he declared in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” that African Americans considering voting for Trump “ain’t black,” or when he snapped, “Why, why, why, why, why?” at a reporter who asked during the primary why he had attacked a rival.

[quote] Biden’s friends and advisers are urging him not to get dragged into ugly exchanges. “There is an old saying in debate circles: When you get down in the mud and wrestle with a pig, the pig has fun and you get covered in mud,” said Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden confidant. “And the word that is typically used is not ‘mud.’ ”

[quote] Biden will try to speak directly to the voters, the person with knowledge of his team’s thinking said, and will correct Trump when merited. But Biden’s advisers believe strongly that he should not get bogged down in fact-checking the president, leaving that mostly to moderator Chris Wallace.

From R8

[quote]"Trump cares about us. I know that. He's not overly nice, but he cares about us."

Talk about useful idiots.

R73 - put a woman in Trump’s place & have her hulk around the stage following & trying to physically intimidate her male opponent.

How does that look?

i am super pisitivr that trump will accuse biden of socialism and communism, he needs to be able to fully refute those allegations and say that trump wants to destroy democracy to turn the country into a russian puppet.

R32 Shade.

R87, the best way to refute “socialism” and “communism” is to give people the definitions. Usually it’s only very stupid people on the right who like to fling around those words because they don’t understand the meaning and think that it’s something scary.

Anyway, I don’t think that Biden should take time to refute anything. Nothing good will come out of trying to argue with stupid. I hope Biden focuses on what he will do for Americans once elected President and he can use Trump’s failures to highlight what he would do better.

Trump must put Biden on the defensive right away. He must be aggressive and try to make Biden seem small. Get into the insults, Trump will win, because this is all he knows, especially in attempting to overcome his incompetence. Biden must treat him like a child, continuing to say that the American people want to hear about policy and the solutions for our problems, not petty insults and childlike behaviors.

It's always interesting to see what the other side has to say before the debate. Here is a look from a Fox News contributor. It's "enlightening " and delusional.

Wow, R91, I haven't read melodrama like that since the 19th Century.

[quote] Biden needs to answer tough questions over the course of the three debates. He must explain his support for the job-killing Green New Deal, socialized medicine, massive tax increases, open borders, and free health care for illegal immigrants.

He can answer all of these questions in three words. "no, I don't"

R91 Reading conservative material is dangerous. Republicans are master manipulators, pied pipers. They'll seed fascist thoughts in your mind. Guard your heart.

But, R93, you can see the shite the deplorables are fed 24/7. You can be sure that, after the debate, if Trump looks bad, he will attack Chris Wallace and his minions will follow. If someone only hears these lies all of the time, it becomes reality.

How each is preparing:

75-80 in the audience. Trump will speak first.

Washington Post opinions about what will happen and the importance of Tuesday.

538 has moved Ohio into the blue column, barely, but the fact that it is close in Ohio should scare the crap out of Trump.

I just hope Biden doesn't fuck up. I also hope he attacks Trump. Acting above it all while Trump lays out fake attack after fake attack won't cut it. The American people want to see Trump verbally destroyed and put in his place. That disastrous town hall 2 weeks ago was a good example

All the spouses, Jill Biden, Douglas Emhoff (Kamala), and Karen Pence; have all been out campaigning.

Melania campaigning? Not a lick of it. Either she refuses, or the Trump campaign doesn't want to put her out there unless it is extremely controlled, and may not even then unless Trump is by her side.

When Trump says "creepy Joe" ask Trump why he wishes Ghislaine Maxwell well and then cede his time.

Melania will vote for Biden so she can finally get her divorce and away from Ivanka.

"538 has moved Ohio into the blue column, barely, but the fact that it is close in Ohio should scare the crap out of Trump"

Fox has Biden +5

What R99 said. If Biden doesn't get right in Trump's face, ask him, "You're kind of stupid, aren't you?" and otherwise make him face himself, he will get murdered like Hillary.

Being a "gentleman" should never extend to letting a scum like Cheeto Jesus walk all over you.

What if they ask about Joe's 50 years in D.C.?

Lest we forget.

"What if they ask about Joe's 50 years in D.C.?"

Then he should ask about Trump's 50 years in bankruptcy.

"What if they ask about Joe's 50 years in D.C.?"

This needs to be a part of Biden's campaign video, especially the words of McTurtle.

Joe should NOT call him "Mr. President." Call him Donald.

I can't help wondering. How does anybody look at Biden with a straight face. Seriously.

He got old, okay, R110. He was a young, handsome guy like you, but he wasn't the Portrait of Dorian Gray, so he aged. But he still has light in his eyes. He's not my first or seventh choice as a candidate for president, but he's not a monster or a fool. He's human.

What a nice change that will be!

"I can't help wondering. How does anybody look at Biden with a straight face. Seriously."

I wouldn't know. My face, like the rest of me, has always been gay. I've never had a straight face.

It happens to everybody, R110. It will happen to you too.

If this is what Biden looked like when he was young, what do you think you’re going to look like when you’re old? And he’s kept his figure, which many don’t at his age.

Boris, I look at Trump with disgust.

Trump will be outrageous, unpresidential, and offensive. Trump is fighting not just for the presidency but to hold on to power to avoid criminal charges. Biden needs to go in expecting the absolute worst.

I love the fact that Chris Christie was chosen to prepare Trump for the debate, then Trump decided he wasn't going to prepare.

Joe had better be fucking brutal; this is no time for high-roading and playing by the rules. Hammer at Dump's refusal to criticize Putin on *anything*. In fact, call it a "fear".

Joe throws down the gauntlet.

Trump gives a preview. He's already shown his hand, since he's not bright enough to have anything else.

Joe should spend part of his preparation with a drag queen who knows how to deliver lethal reads. All this boils down to is the fine art of creating a good comeback that shuts down the room.

Two days until debate day. This looks like it will be viewed by a huge audience, as it has the atmosphere of a heavyweight fight, with both sides aggressively shading the other.

r119 Bright enough.

David Ploufe said Biden needs to " punish" Trump because that's what everyone wants to see.

Trump to target Biden's mental health. That will go over well.

New billboards erected around the debate site.

Trump is scared. He’s now tweeting that he won’t debate Biden unless Biden takes a drug test.

[quote] Jill Biden for the win

Biden should challenge Trump to a drug test-off.

[quote] NEW: Joe Biden is planning a train tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania directly after Tuesday’s debate - his first extended swing since March.

How Joe can do well by people who know him.

Joe had better bring up the draft-dodging and (fake) bone spurs. And if Dump tries to "whatabout" why Biden didn't serve in Vietnam, Joe can bring up the fact that he was rejected due to asthma, and he actually has the medical records to back it up.

R127 Good for Dr. Jill! Shut that CNN "both sides" shit down.

Business Insider says that the GOP has set up Biden for a huge victory on Tuesday.

Listen to this shit from today. Second half, they follow-up with undecided votes on the phone. Undecided voters are the worst.

Undecided voters are clearly the most passive aggressive people on earth; I think they really have made up their mind-they just want to fuck with everyone

I think Biden will be fine; he'll probably stumble a few times, but compared to Dump's gibberish, you'll barely notice. Plus, Dump will be on the backfoot over the tax returns & the fact that he knows Chris Wallace will keep him on a short leash. It'll be a wild night & I for one can't wait!

I would predict that this week Donald Trump will say he's already won the debate.

Jesus Christ, now Business Insider is behind a paywall? I don't have the time or money to subscribe to every fucking thing on the web.

"Biden must treat him like a child"

Yeah, that worked for Hillary..

One day until the first debate. Will the topic of tax returns and debt be mentioned? How should Biden inject it into the debate to throw Trump off?

Overview of what is at stake tomorrow.

We Don’t Need Debates

Trump will just make a scene and lie. What’s in it for voters?

By Charles M. Blow

Opinion Columnist

Sept. 27, 2020

The first column I ever wrote was about the April 2008 Democratic presidential debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It took place in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The debate was a mess. As I wrote at the time:

“The moderators spent about 40 minutes on a trite list of recriminations apparently intended to bait the candidates into a ‘Jerry Springer’-like brawl. Barack Obama was again asked to address the kerfuffle he caused by labeling rural voters ‘bitter’ and to explain his relationship with the frightening Reverend Wright, and Hillary Clinton was again pushed back on her heels for saying that she had ducked bullets in Bosnia.”

I focused that column on the lack of discussion of environmental issues.

Since then, I have covered many more presidential debates — sometimes writing about them, sometimes discussing them on television or social media. At one time, I was into the spectacle of it all as much as anyone else. I waited for the defining moments and the slip-ups, the best zingers and the worst flubs.

But debates have come to be about sport and sparring rather than a true comparison of the relative readiness of the candidates. They are too much theater, too little substance.

The debates test the performative aspect of leadership: stamina, mental agility, wit. Policy is discussed, but rarely if ever in greater depth than what the candidates have already published in some way. Times have changed. Candidates post their policy positions on their websites, readily accessible from voters’ phones.

Furthermore, it’s not clear to what degree debates alter the trajectory of a race anyway. As John Sides wrote in Washington Monthly magazine in 2012:

“That presidential debates can be ‘game changers’ is a belief almost universally held by political pundits and strategists. Political scientists, however, aren’t so sure. Indeed, scholars who have looked most carefully at the data have found that, when it comes to shifting enough votes to decide the outcome of the election, presidential debates have rarely, if ever, mattered.”

Plus, nearly 900,000 Americans have already voted. And, according to CNN, there are “28 million ballots already requested and another 43 million set to be automatically mailed to voters.”

Maybe there are true undecided voters who will use debate performance to make up their minds, but I simply do not believe this is a significant constituency. This election is already underway. People are already voting. Minds are already made up.

For this reason, I’m not necessarily looking forward to Tuesday’s debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Will it be entertaining? Likely. Will it change the contours of the race? Unlikely.

These regular presidential debates are a relatively recent occurrence in American presidential politics. According to the Commission on Presidential Debates, “1948 and 1956 were the only public debates among presidential candidates prior to 1960.”

Furthermore, there were no moderators in the 1948 debate. In fact, one of the most famous series of debates in history, the 1858 exchanges between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that set the stage for Lincoln’s presidential run, had no moderator.

In some ways, it is the moderators who complicate the debates, who add an extra element that is not always useful. One could argue that today’s candidates lack the decorum to pull off a no-moderator debate, but in some ways that would be the only way that they could engage each other on the topics they want to discuss, rather than those the moderators want them to discuss.

For all these reasons, I’m not looking forward to Trump making a scene and telling lies. I’m not looking forward to the assessments of the moderators. I’m not looking forward to hype. We may learn things. We often do. And those things are worth learning. But, what is most important is policy and character.

Indeed, we don’t need a debate.

...

...

What will it really tell us that we don’t already know? What will it truly reveal? The debate will show us how the candidates converse and clash. It will show how they respond when attacked and how they recover — or not — when bruised.

But none of this, at this late date, should be the determinant of how one votes.

Trump is actively threatening to assault our democracy by refusing to say that he will accept the results of an election if he loses, by refusing to say that he would ensure a peaceful transfer of power from him to Biden. He is assaulting our democracy by undermining confidence in the election and by lying about mail-in voting, a necessity for many during a pandemic.

Trump has done so much to degrade this country, to divide it, to destroy it, that there is nothing he can say or do during a debate to redeem himself.

Debates are simply a formality, a modern ritual, one with far less meaning than people think. And this one will be even more useless. The choice is already clear.

The debate will be my first "news" anything in two months. I'm still very aware of the main stories people are talking about, but I haven't seen any broadcasts, speeches, or interviews, and it's been nice.

After so much time away from it, I wonder if my brain will be able to handle all the cringe on Tuesday night.. Regardless, I bought my snacks yesterday, and will be tuning in.

It promises to be better than Ramona vs Dorinda.

Breaking: New FOXNews poll shows 46% percent of Americans believe Trump won the first debate, while 54% realize the debate hasn't been held yet.

^^ So that there's no misunderstanding, this is a sarcastic tweet. But it rings quite true.

This new news about Trump's taxes and financial situation will certainly add to the debate

That's funny, r144. But it is true for people on all sides.

The debate hasn't happened, but people who support Joe will say he won, and those who support dump, will say he won. If anyone says they haven't made up their mind about who they're voting for, they're lying. EVERYONE has picked a side, and the next few weeks will just be shits and giggles for those who get off on everyone hating each other.

hyperbole much, r147?

Debates are meaningless when one candidate is a pathological liar.

Baltimore Sun on effect of tax revelation

Sun article

I really hate the Electoral College.

Will Trump bring up Biden being on drugs during the debate? We can be 100% sure he will after the debate as he tries on Twitter to spin an overwhelming victory for him. But will he dare do it during the debate?

Joe should say: Sure let's talk about drugs. Here's how much Canadians pay for insulin, and here's how much it costs Americans. What happened to the big beautiful drug price reduction that the president promised 4 years ago? Nothing, zip, nada, the way of the dodo.

[quote]Will Trump bring up Biden being on drugs during the debate?

If he does, Biden should bring up Trump's constant sniffling and Junior Mint coked out at the GOP convention.

Today's the day. What would be the best snack and beverage for viewing?

I fear how CNN and the Times will try to drag Biden’s performance in order to play both sides and make it a closer race. They’ll make mountains from his tiniest verbal stumbles.

Why don't they have it in the afternoon when these old men have more energy? Trump will be on speed but Joe will depend on coffee.

Will there be a lip sync battle at the end?

Today's the day. What would be the best snack and beverage for viewing?

I was thinking that too; I'm going to polish of the rest of a bottle of wine. I don't want to get out snacks as I am certain that I'll stress eat and just shovel them in mouth

In honor of Donald Trump, I plan to have chicken ( in honor of his bone spur deferment) and leek ( in honor of his incontinence) beggar's purses ( in honor of his financial situation). I will wash those down with ( of course) White Russians.

USA Today will air the debate with live fact-checking.

All is in readiness.

The Guard is blocking off the street at East 18th, when the debate is being held on East 95th? Talk about keeping people away!

Morning Joe's John Heilemann's excellent perspective.

Robby Mook resurfaces and says that Biden shouldn't spend time fact-checking or attacking on taxes.

I am truly looking forward to watching this shit show.

I hope Trump strokes out on the stage

r91, what strengths? Avoiding the question? Telling lies?

It's Fox News. What else can they say? But, that's what they are going to peddle to the deplorables.

You can now wager money on the debate.

If Trump does badly, he will insist on having a live crowd for the next one. The venues for the next three are in friendlier territory( Utah, Fla, and Tennessee) and not at a hospital facility, so he will want to be able to play to his adoring minions.

I don’t think I can actually watch this ..... It physically pains me to look at or hear The Orange One speak

The probability that one of the debaters tonight will have a senior moment is quite high. Let’s hope Joe keeps his answers short and simple. No need to win over people on the fence now since the lead is for Trump to erode. Let’s hope Trump will have a psychotic meltdown that will encapsulate his whole shit show of a presidency.

Is Grifting Tara going to be a guest of Cheeto?

i wont watch,. I think it will be a national embarassment to the world. What is there to debate?

Shocking how invested deplorable are in how Biden refuses to be inspected for an earpiece and won't take a drug test. They are totally obsessed! All the while Rudy was babbling this morning about Joe's dementia.

So if Joe tanks, it's because he is senile. But if he does well it is because he a) has been fed the questions in advance, b) is wearing an earpiece, or c) is juicing.

CRAZY

R154, you pegged it. That’s exactly how Biden should respond.

I'll be tweeting debate fact checks in as close to real time as possible.

Note: if I don't do something immediately on Twitter, that doesn't mean it’s not being done at all. Claims they haven't uttered before, or where they've changed up the wording, require research first. 1/2

In addition, a good CNN team will be doing a big, running fact check article on our site during and after the debate, so I’d encourage you to go there. And you can tune in to CNN post-debate for a bunch of out-loud fact checks from me.

[quote]The venues for the next three are in friendlier territory( Utah, Fla, and Tennessee)

Not a blue state in sight. Really?

I wondered the same thing, r180. Anyone know how these venues are picked?

Biden should offer Trump a box of Kleenex for his constant sniffling. Since Trump has zero sense of humor or self awareness, he would immediately throw himself on the floor with a huge temper tantrum.

Today is indeed the day. I have a weird feeling in my gut- like when you're waiting in line for a roller coaster.

Ohio swing voters on MSNBC - 1 of 6 mentioned Hunter Biden, and suddenly that's the critical issue for these voters. Fucking retarded.

I love these swing voters who revel in withholding their decision:

"Well now, I don't know. On the one hand... other the other hand... I don't see much difference between the two, and neither have spoken to things that really matter to me."

Annoying AF.

And:

"I really need to hear more about ... because neither has mentioned that at all."

And from Latino voter groups:

"Neither has really reached out and spoken to the issues that matter to these voters."

and so clearly full of shit r185. Trumpistas who are just sane enough to be embarrassed by the fact they're Trumpistas.

What Today's 2020 Polls Say Before Trump, Biden Debate

Just a reminder: debates usually don't change anything. The media want to make each debate seem hugely important, but that's rare.

It's such bullshit. If you want to know what the candidate says about an issue, go to their website. All those diner-gorging undecided voters are children who need each candidate to give a huge speech about their issue. Never mind if they mention it in the course of debates or more general speeches.

I really think undecided voters on average have IQs below the mean.

You KNOW what CNN is going to say:

"Trump showed a different tone tonight. He might have turned the corner here. He's given undecided voters something to think about. It's anyone's race again."

Always propping him up.

I agree that debates don't really mean much, but in this case: 1) Dump is used to blathering on before his adoring MAGA followers, not really providing coherent answers to questions 2) when things don't go his way or people don't buy his bullshit in news conferences, he insults the reporter and stomps off 3) we know he hates Chris Wallace.

Given the other pressures this week AND the factors noted above, he might really lose his shit on live TV. I think everyone knows it & will tune in with the hope that he will.

I hope Biden utters "structural racism" just once, to check off the box for his base, but doesn't continue on with it. "Structural racism" is read as "reparations" to moderates, and neither sell.

This going to be a s*%#show for the ages.

Watch monkey fling poo-poo at Joe Biden, live tonight!

A candidate can’t win on debate performance alone, but he/she can lose it based on subpar showing. Ask Bush Sr about his looking-at-watch moment during debate with I -Feel-Your-Pain candidate Bill Clinton. Bush was universally panned as being out of touch and uncaring. He basically lost the election that night according to many pundits.

Dear Joe,

Please don’t say “Come on, man”

Disinformation campaigns are already underway:

R196, I agree... I think that if a candidate confirms some of the character flaws being flung at them, it’s problematic. I remember even further back, Gerald Ford’s statement on Poland left everyone thinking he didn’t know foreign policy, which is what he was being criticized for before the debate.

Anybody know if there will be an audience? Trump doesn't do well if he's not performing and going for cheap laffs.

He basically has always been a frustrated entertainer, but without any talent or personality. Always trying get in the headlines. He's like the male Dora Hall, buying his own career in showbiz.

There will be an in-person audience of 75-80 people.

Each person in the audience, on the crew, etc. will be Covid tested before the debate.

As stated previously, all Biden really needs to do is call out Trump every time he tries to derail the topic.

A simple Reaganeaque “THERE HE GOES AGAIN!” would suffice.

Joy thinks that Biden should get Obama to sit in the front row to freak out Trump.

A haggard Megyn Kelly weighs in on the debate.

[quote]A haggard Megyn Kelly

Is there another kind of Megyn Kelly?

Pay with the blue red map. It's fun.

It’s gonna go off the rails in the first two minutes. Trump knows he can’t debate policy so he’ll jump right into the personal attacks, probably will ask Biden why he didn’t take a drug test.

I, for one, am not looking forward to this tonight. It’s going to be a mess.

R208 is correct. Trump will start off with throwing flaming bags of shit.

Fat fuck and First Whore arrive, looking as if they are headed to the gallows. Notice his new haircut. Probably cost the taxpayers $5,000.00

All I want to have happen is for the orange idiot to question Biden's mental abilities and Biden simply answers, "Person, woman, man, camera, TV; I guess I'm good to go." and leave it at that.

WaPo: Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee have a new weapon in their arsenal against President Trump: @Truth. The campaign and the party’s “War Room” have acquired the Twitter handle, which they plan to wield for fact-checking the president during Tuesday’s highly anticipated debate.

If Biden can bring his “come on, man” style of debate like he did in 2012 then he’ll cruise to Election Day. This is not going to be a debate about policy or substance. It’s going to be about personality. Fortunately for Biden, Trump has set expectations so low for him that as long as he doesn’t royally fuck up, he wins.

From America's Pravda: Fox News has learned that the president’s re-election campaign wants the Biden campaign to allow a third party to inspect the ears of each debater for electronic devices or transmitters. The president has consented to this kind of inspection, but Biden has not, so far, sources said. A source said the Biden campaign has declined the ear check.

Liza will be performing the national anthem, along with a medley from Cabaret before the debate.

Let Libertarian and Green Party candidates into the debate!

I filled out my absentee ballot today, bitches.

I don’t know much about Biden other than he sometimes seems old for his age, but is obviously far more intelligent and decent than Trump.

I’m worried that Trump really has no restraint or dignity. At this point it wouldn’t shock me if he did a shit on the podium and threw it at Biden. I think the success of the debate will be dictated by how Biden copes with disruption from Trump. If Biden can’t get a handle on that, Trump will look vigorous and in control.

I hope Biden wipes the floor with him. But, like a sincere version of Susan Collins, I’m concerned.

Ear check - seriously? I think it will be relatively easy with hi def to see if anyone has something in their ear.

At this point it wouldn’t shock me if he did a shit on the podium and threw it at Biden.

Best debate ever!!! But seriously, Dump is so batshit crazy at this point, there's no telling what he'll do

This is gonna be dreadful. I’ll watch because I can’t help myself but I’m dreading it.

[Quote] Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee have a new weapon in their arsenal against President Trump: @Truth. The campaign and the party’s “War Room” have acquired the Twitter handle

That for sure won't bite them in the ass. Lol ALL politicians lie, will lie, and have lied. Some don't learn.

R191 not “CNN”; Van Jones specifically.

Well, now I am worried that Trump will pull a "Mike Tyson".

Lolz, we're all excited, but watch primetime get turned on, and only three people get to post.

I will not be watching any news with Russian plant Van Jones trying to shake up narratives and feeding the public foreign talking points.

I think Biden should answer every question with a reference to Trump's taxes and staggering debt situation. Just keep hammering it in, even if it doesn't fit the question. Trump will flip out.

CNN: Trump is prepared with very specific attacks on Hunter Biden. (Who as far as I know, isn't running for dogcatcher, let alone president.)

I hope that Joe is ready to go and says, "My son, Hunter, paid $X of income taxes in 2015; how about you?"

Sarah Cooper providing a little humor before the debate.

I think the attacks on Hunter will be a good tactic for dump. Joe loves his family, and while I'm sure his team have prepared him for the attacks, he may get emotional or flustered, and mess up. We all know dump likes to go lower than low.

what time is it on?

I have a suspicion Joe has a trick up his sleeve. I don't remember which debate it was, but I remember Hillary saying something and Dump being all "where did you get that information?!?". This administration and campaign are as airtight as a screen door so I wouldn't doubt that they have some intel that feeds into the stories of the past couple of days.

Kamala and Nancy are both (RIGHTLY) all over the place with the question about who holds the debt over his head. I'm hoping Joe brings up something that gets Mango Mussolini totally rattled.

I also think he's steeling himself against attacks on Hunter. He has to know thats on the docket.

Who gives a shit about Hunter when Ivanka received payments for his deductions.

Joe arrives with much more energy than Orange assface.

R231

9:00pm ET/ 8:00pm CT

[quote] Welcome to tonight's debate focus group. First, let me introduce you to tonight's panel of undecided voters. It's those fucking nitwits in the seats over there. Would you all like something to drink, or would you prefer boiling water poured on your genitals? I know, tough call.

6pm PT

I can't watch it live--going to tape it. Put is there going to be a thread I can read what posters think of the live proceedings?

How about this one, R237?

What is all this nonsense about an earpiece??

Per NYT

R237, there is another thread for debate discussion as it happens. This one can be used for prelims, as it will fill up very fast.

The earpiece is merely the Trump campaign pulling their typical shenanigans to get Biden all worked up. After it's over, Trump can get on twitter and claim that Biden was getting his answers from a hidden earpiece and hope that it, like the drug test, will get news coverage so that attention is drawn away from his incompetence.

John Kerry on Twitter in response to the NYT tweet below:

"You'll have to inspect a lot lower than the ears to find where the president will be pulling his answers out of tonight."

The New York Times @nytimes: “Secret earpiece” rumors are nothing new. In fact, they’ve become something of a fixture during presidential debate cycles, and part of a baseless conspiracy theory that tends to rear its head every four years.

Does anyone besides the most determinedly deluded deplorables believe that T-Rump can fluster Biden by throwing out wild accusations, most of which he's been vainly flogging for months? Biden will just grin and give his Lord-have-mercy headshake like he did at Palin.

[quote] Hours before the first debate, the GOP chairwoman is quoting the first daughter to wink at QAnon as if all of this is normal and not in fact the saddest party ever hoping the votes of a conspiracy cult can save them in the election.

Fundraising email already went out...an hour ago...

Ok, where is everybody?

We're topped up on weed. Let's go.

Im here, ready for the shit gurl!

NBC on youtube is carrying this live.

The accusations that Biden will wear an earpiece are just projection. It hit me: OMG, that's how Trump is going to get through these debates. A teeny-tiny implanted device.

But who is talking to him? Jared? Chris Christie? Steve Bannon?

Europeans, did you crap out already?

Isn’t anyone else watching the lead in shows?

C-SPAN

Nachos or ice cream?

R255 Edibles.

Somebody, I think it was Jake Tapper, speculated that Trump may walk up to Biden and try to shake his hand.

why should anyone watch this shit, we’re pretty much all sold on the president being a sociopath and a criminal.

Steve Kornaki has some new clothes and they look clean.

No commercial breaks for 90 minutes so get set.

They are seating the wives. Like Melania Trump wants to be there, lol.

[quote]why should anyone watch this shit

Just for the drama hunny

R261 I bet she was paid to sit there.

Stormy Daniels just walked in.

Trump has done such a shitty job as President that Biden could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and we'd still vote for him.

La Senatrice is seated in the mistress spot.

Does Trump leave Melania’s appearance fees on the nightstand for old time’s sake.

I hope Biden rakes Trump over the coals about his taxes!

E Jean Caroll should be front and center.

I feel somewhat nauseated.

CNN has Prick Santorum telling us Biden is going to get clobbered all night. He's got the biggest mouth and I want to punch him.

And the mafia family has made its entrance 'en masque'. They've never looked so good!

Tiffany looks gross as usual.

Tiffany Trump is poised front and center with pursed lips and faux lashes!!

Cokeboy looks confused

Dana Bash on CNN looks on the verge of tears?

Are the Trump ladies wearing their special MAGA fake titties tonight?

R276 I am too. I’m so nervous

Just popped a half a Valium and poured an early glass of rose (it’s 11am here).

Bring it!

Only their stupidity could imbue them with such arrogance. The Trump family I mean.

I'm watching MSNBC - Joy Reid, Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace.

Why is Tiffany there? They must have threatened her with being cut out of the will.

I'm watching CNN.

[quote]CNN has Prick Santorum telling us Biden is going to get clobbered all night. He's got the biggest mouth and I want to punch him.

Well, he *did* say First Whore's RNC speech was one of the greatest ever given by a First Lady. In other words, his opinion is shit.

CBS.

Just please don’t say anything stupid, biden

Trump will be vulgar and infantile. He just wants to put on a show for his base.

R285, thanks for the link.

Jess please doan say nothing truthful, Darnell.

Right Boris, because Dump NEVER says anything stupid, racist, homophobic...

[quote]Dana Bash on CNN looks on the verge of tears?

She always looks like that

Go Joe Go!

Go Joe Go!

Go Joe Go!

No cheers, no boos! Trump is going to sink like a stone with all that silence

Melania was wearing a gigantic mask! Only tRump with one on.

Aesthetically, I like that Joe is wearing a pocket square. He looks so distinguished.

Maybe Cheetolini will have a stroke on live TV

"We" won the election. Such a unifying president!

Trump isn't sniffing yet, but he sounds congested.

"Single greatest student." That says a lot.

Biden looks chalky! Wahhh! Biden are you OK??

Make-up malfunction, r294?

Trump has new hair.

Note to IRS - double check his next tax form for huge hair write-off

45 looks terrible, sounds terrible and is very low energy.

Oh, and he is terrible.

Why does Trump look like John Bolton?

Biden needs more bronzer. He looks pasty.

R303, and he's a fucking fatass!

R305, do you mean like your president's $75,000 in hair & makeup?

Biden is stumbling.

Kim Guilfoyle couldn’t find a mask big enough to cover her fake lips

Trump looks like the most hateful human being I've ever seen.

He is utterly disgusting

Good for Joe bringing up the ACA immediately.

"The people already had their say." Dictator language.

ummmmm

Joe gets better with time.

I'm too nervous to have the volume up. I'm hiding behind you guys by reading this thread and not looking at the TV.

A few minutes in and I want to punch Trump’s face in.

Thanks for weighing in Boris / r308

not the strongest first answer for Biden. but we're just starting.

Trump is coming off relaxed and Biden seems unfocused.

Oooh, he said "socialist" and we're not even 15 minutes into this yet.

I have the TV on, but turned off the sound. I don't think I can make myself listen, so I'm counting on you all to keep me posted.

Have at it, boys!

Me too r315. I have it on mute

I hope so, R314.

200,000 dead under Trump! Ha. Go for the jugular!

r316, I'm not sure how much more Trump I can stand. He's lying like crazy.

Trump can't keep his big fat mouth shut.

YIKES.

Trump is doing better

Biden needs to talk right over him. I am hating this.

Donald, would you just be quiet? - Joe Biden

Yes, Joe is struggling but 45 coming off as a bully.

it's like this only without the music

Joe better get focused and relax. Trump is dominating him.

Why the fuck are they letting Trump interrupt?

Trump is arguing with the moderator now. LOL. Meltdown

So Trump strategy is to interrupt.

This is going nowhere with Trump constantly interrupting.

[quote]I have the TV on, but turned off the sound. I don't think I can make myself listen, so I'm counting on you all to keep me posted. Have at it, boys!

Oh for God's sake.

Chris Wallace sure has small hands... Just sayin'.

At least he's calling him on his b.s. about not having a comprehensive plan.

I’m liking the moderator

ASSHOLE!

This is fucking crazy

Biden is stammering too much. I WISH he were on Adderal or coke like Trump.

OMG this is painful in every way

He is not R328. He’s louder.

I'm afraid I am going to have to turn this off.

Pelosi was right. Biden should not have debated. This is ridiculous.

This is going to be about appearances and demeanor--not actual words. Trump's base is eating this up.

Smiling Joe and Sourpuss Trump.

Wallace is losing all control. I literally feel like I am about to vomit.

Trump is making himself look like shit, IMO. Arguing with the fucking moderator.

Can't they cut Trump's mic???

They should have rigged a bucket of water over a Trump’s head to release when he gets obnoxious.

Stuff a sock in Trump's mouth!

It’s already turning into a shit show.

This is crazy

Here comes Trumps the name calling. Vulgar human being.

OMG, he called Warren Pocahontas.

Someone, shoot him dead!

LIAR Trump

Hillary would have chewed him out by now.

Now Trump's slinging "Pocahontas." Very presidential.

Turn off Trump's mike when it's Biden's turn to talk.

This is crazier than I thought it would be, somehow

Joe needs to just talk over Trump.

Trump sounds like a mental patient.

This is just unbelievable.

Trump is interrupting gratuitously.

Biden is fucking up by acknowledging Trumps remarks.

I want them to get into a fist fight.

[quote] Joe needs to just talk over Trump.

No he does not. That's what they want -- to make Biden look as hysterical and insane as Trump

Fucking hell.

Trump is so fucking obnoxious. He's trying to trip up Joe.

Joe has some great issues to discuss and 45 is a monkey thewing feces like an ape in the zoo.

Agree, Trump sounds nuts. This ain’t gonna change anyone’s mind

Joe called him a clown!

SO WELL. WE'RE GONNA RUN IT SO WELL.

READ HIM JOE!

RECLAIMING MY TIME!

This is exactly the debate trump wants.

Trump already lost.

Joe is keeping his composure quite well, all things considered

Joe, IGNORE HIM!

Trump is really acting like a giant orange ugly infant.

i don't know what you to. Just tell Trump to shut the fuck up? Seriously, what do you do with this toddler who just keeps throwing shit out there. Maybe start doing that when he's answering, or does that just play to his strengths?

If I were in Joe's place, every time Trump says something I would say you're lying.

How could Biden be expected to fact check Trump? It’s been rapid fire lies.

Someone beat his ass

We're all going to hell.

He doesn’t have a plan. The truth hurts.

Do they have an actual moderator they could call in? This is insane.

i want to be undecided.too!

MY EARS!

MY EYES!

MY HEART!

I don't think I'm even going to be able to get hard after tonight...

Who the fuck told Biden to turn away from Trump? Look him in the eye and tell him calm to shut up!

Trump is in control by interrupting and not playing by the rules.

Trump does sounds unhinged

"Will you shut up, Man".

I think if I were Joe, I'd just let Trump drone on until he 1) has nothing left to say, or 2) is interrupted by Chris Wallace. Then I'd look at Trump and say, "Is it OK if I talk now?"

Trump is undebateable. Not because he's so brilliant--he's just unfit for society.

You simply cannot debate him. I feel for Biden because he's in an untenable position. Mother Teresa would end up punching Trump in the face if she was on the stage.

Will you shut up, man?!?

Finally!

Ohhh, I can't wait until Joe brings up #BrokeBitch's taxes.

I HATE HIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMM

WILL YOU SHUT UP

I wonder how many times Biden will tell him to shut up.

[quote]Trump is interrupting gratuitously.

It's all he's got; unbelievable that people here think that means he's "doing better" than Biden.

Joe to Trump- "Will you shut up, man".

Oh, just shut up, man.

COVID-19, yes! NAIL HIM, Joe

COVID

NAIL HIM JOE!

Trump isn’t in control...he’s coming across as unhinged.

I've never seen such a shitshow. This needs a cut off mic like a Bravo zoom reunion.

I wish they could have Hillary step in and pinch-hit for Joe in this debate.

“Will you shut up man!”. Go Joe. He’s trash - deserves no respect,

This is a disaster.

Trump's base is going to eat this up.

Will you stop yapping?

ba-zing!! HE.HAS.NO.PLAN.ABOUT.ANYTHING

Joe's being a gentleman. trump is acting like a rabid hemorrhoid.

[Quote]This ain’t gonna change anyone’s mind

This election has been pretty damn stable this entire time. There are relatively few undecided voters.

It is unlikely these debates will matter at all.

What's Twitter saying?

[quote] Trump's base is going to eat this up.

Nobody gives a fuck about those idiots. They're not voting based on this debate anyway!

Biden needs to commit to expanding the Supreme Court. This is weak and unpopular for him to just say "go vote."

The majority of American voters want the President to wait until next year to fill the Supreme Court. The majority overwhelmingly wants to protect Roe v. Wade and women's reproductive rights. The majority wants to preserve Obamacare.

PROMISE TO EXPAND THE COURT. IT'S POPULAR AND JOE NEEDS TO MOTIVATE THE DEMOCRATS.

yeah, I don't know, just abandon all pretense that this is a debate and just tell Trump he's a moron and a grifter and a con artist and it's why he's losing?

Dump moves his head the same way chickens do.

It's about appearances R402. Biden isn't coming off as strong as Trump.

Wallace needs to tell trump that this is a Presidential debate - you wait your turn to speak!

Here comes 'I stopped flights from Jina'!

Biden seems weak. Trump is enjoying this.

GET OUT OF YOUR BUNKER!

BIden's calm demeanor compared to Trump is so calming and makes me feel I can trust him. I don't know how this is coming off to everyone, but for me, looking at how Trump is behaving, there is no contest this country can't put up with four more years of this bully.

Will you shut up, man

[Quote]Trump is in control by interrupting and not playing by the rules.

Lol, no one buys this spin. Try harder.

Biden keeps fumbling words that don't make sense. Come on!

China's fault

[quote] PROMISE TO EXPAND THE COURT. IT'S POPULAR AND JOE NEEDS TO MOTIVATE THE DEMOCRATS.

Thanks, Boris. How stealth.

I have indigestion. God, Trump is a fucking prick. Joe's been a bit underwhelming but not terrible.

THIS IS IS FUCKING INSANE AND WE ARE ALL DOOMED.

If we don't know how many people died of Covid in Russia, Trump should just call his best friend Vlad and ask him.

No one believes Trump

biden is just regurgitating the coronavirus shit he memorized. he looks sharp. i like his tie.

trump looks like orange clown but he seems sharper. biden has too much work done on his face.

Such a phenomenal job with the world's highest death count!

He got the gowns! President Bob Mackie-Trump got the gowns!

Biden is doing well so far. Keep it up Joe!!

"Most of them said that. President Trump did a phenomenal job"

[quote]It's about appearances [R402]. Biden isn't coming off as strong as Trump.

Why, because he's not ranting like a WWE wrestler?

14,000 = 200,000 to Trump

What's hard for Joe is that he still struggles with his stutter. Since he's not debating an adult, he has to rush his answer

Not that many Joe.

I have to keep hitting the mute button to shut up Trump.

is biden reading off a teleprompter or has charts or some kind? I am impressed he managed to memorized all that data!

Smart of Joe to talk directly to the camera and tune out the toddler.

It's not working for Trump. The bullying just looks awful

Trump wants to push the Russia vaccine. "I've spoken to Putin."

Trump inflated ventilator prices by letting the states drive up bidding wars and hoarding a federal reserve of ventilators for unknown benefit! Fuck Trump.

Trump doesn't know what debating means, he's acting like a child. FYI the debate is being broadcast live across Europe as I write to you. Tomorrow Trump will be even more laughed at than usual

[quote]THIS IS IS FUCKING INSANE AND WE ARE ALL DOOMED.

That's another concern troll blocked.

Can he just stroke out already????

[Bold] TONS OF VLADS IN THE THREAD! HI VLADS!

Okay guys. I will give on this being a debate. Trump is making it a shit show.

Nobody's surprised that Trump's being an asshole tonight. This isn't going to change any voters' minds.

Joe's doing good. Trump motions like a woman.

Trump's hair looks good.

Could you imagine allowing any nurse inject anything in your arm under Trump's watch?

R445, it's his stump speech about COVID, he's got it memorized already

Biden is doing a decent job. Trump is doing his usual grandiose bullshitting and interrupting when it's Biden's turn.

Joe should tune out Trump!

The moderators for the next two debates need to have the power the mute the mics.

Period.

OMG BLEACH

THANK YOU GOD!

Trump's hair looks like Ivana Trump's pubic bush R457

TRUMP HOAXINE! How dare he promote that!

Just fucking turn off the Turd Trump's mic while Uncle Joe is talking. END OF!!!!

Just inject some bleach, bitch.

[quote] THIS IS IS FUCKING INSANE AND WE ARE ALL DOOMED.

We're not talking about empty grocery stores in Russia. Stay in your lane. Or better yet, your country.

Nice bleach burn.

Trump's idea of debate is to bully his way through. He's obnoxious.

This is the opening debate

I know I'm high, but is this shit for real?

Biden looks right into the camera. Smart! He's talking to you!

Joe is doing well plus he's making me laugh.

Unfortunately Joe's voice isn't strong to drown out the Cheeto Clown.

Biden is 20 years too old for this.

Joe needs to be more assertive and just plow through with his thought and tune Trump out. No name calling, no shut up. Just plow through

Biden is coming across great. Classy.

bleach works!

Joe is a little slow tonight but he has had a few moments. He is smart to focus on what a liar Trump is.

I want Joe to get angry, really angry.

Chris lets Trump talk the entire fucking time and yet harasses and confronts Joe every time he opens his mouth.

One Biden debate characteristic that’s always bugged me is how he smiles or chuckles when he’s frustrated by the person he’s debating.

Joe should call him draft dodger Bone Spurs

Why would anyone subject themselves to watching this?

Close, Joe, so close to getting that defense of Kamala out.

Omg

TRUMP IS THE DUMBEST. PRESIDENT. EVER.

Trump is coming across as a huge asshole and a bully

Chris Wallace is probably the most capable person to moderate, from any network, and even he's doing a shit job.

Dump is the problem, not the moderator.

Joe should use that famous Reagan line:"There you go again!"

What great economy? My employer's about to shed 28 000 employees.

My mom messaged me that she already turned it off.

I think a decent number of Americans are going to be turned off by this.

Anything that maintains the status quo is ultimately a win for Biden.

Okay, now Trump is going full on infantile bully and is starting to throw mud.

"Smart! Don't talk to me about being smart"

Jesus, what a shit show! (I mean Cheeto the Clown)

Who would u trust with your money? With taking care of u?

Biden should have never even agreed to this. It’s a total shitshow and not going to change anyone’s mind.

"Just shush for a minute."

Biden brings up how much Dump lies, Dump again pulls out the "47 years" talking point. He's got nothing but insults.

[QUOTE] Biden looks right into the camera. Smart! He's talking to you!

I agree. It’s very effective when Joe talks directly to the American people.

Dump is an old lady. He’s sarcastic. Full of hate. Insulting. Fuck of trump

This is sleeeeeeeeeazzzzzo

Damn, the you're not smart thing really got to this bitch. Call him a moron. A lot.

Oh God, British and French people on twitter are already laughing at Trump interrupting Biden every five sec

"Elderly people with heart problems" are the only ones at risk apparently.

SHUSH!!!!!

YES JOE! You are a shaming Trump without yelling or being rude.

45 is petty and pathetic.

Good for Joe at being logical. People want to hear details and structure.

Trump's make up is extra bad tonight!!!!!!!!

Geeze, tRUMP is such an ugly person, inside and out.

To all the people saying Trump is coming off as a bully. Yes he is! I agree! BUT his cult follows LOVE that shit! So it means NOTHING!

I would call him a cunt and then just kick him in the crotch.

I’m not gonna last for 90 minutes with this shit show

Haha, antimask cunt.

[quote]Biden should have never even agreed to this. It’s a total shitshow and not going to change anyone’s mind.

Bye, concern troll #3!

Joe should stop listening to the clown, and just deliver his talking points directly to the camera

Biden is impressive. He’s holding strong against Trump.

I turned it off. I think this is not a good look for Dump. He looks like a giant baby who’s shitting on everything.

Trump sounds like Archie Bunker.

People here are wanting Joe to get angry. Heck, I think that Joe just laughing at Trump is effective. Showing what an idiot Trump is being.

Trump must be out of his mind after today's NYT article.

This has nothing to do with his cult, r510. He's going to have to appeal to a lot more than his cult to win the election

how many facelifts has joe had? 2 at the very least.

he looks good though...although I don't like the botox on him.

^^You are shaming

Well, I would say that one of the concern troll's points is likely to be correct: that the debate isn't likely to swing many voters. But then, it never was likely to do that. I suspect the percentage of voters who can be swayed at this point is in the single digits.

Watching Biden laugh at Trump is sending me.

[quote] how many facelifts has joe had? 2 at the very least.

Not as many as First Whore's pussy

[quote]He's going to have to appeal to a lot more than his cult to win the election.

Exactly. He can keep shouting all he wants but that isn't going to sway anyone. His base laps it up but nobody else does.

Herman Cain can vouch to the safety of Trump’s rallies.

I shouldn't be snacking...

I'm pretty sure I'm going to throw up.

30% of the American electorate would vote for a dead maggot if it was the Republican nominee.

Granted, I 'm biased... but how can anyone look at this debate and think Trump is qualified to be anything. He can't even debate properly.

Trump may not lose his base in this debate, but he sure isn't gaining any new voters.

"the crowds".

Trump is a corrupt con man, spewing lies and talking shit is his specialty and he doesn't play by the rules.

I love watching Joe snicker at that fat lying asshole!!

The world is laughing.

This is gold for Trump's base.

[Quote]Well, I would say that one of the concern troll's points is likely to be correct: that the debate isn't likely to swing many voters.

Thats good for Biden!

Biden is ahead. Anything that maintains the status quo in the race is good for him.

It is Trump that desperately needs a win to reinvigorate his campaign.

The Jinah Plague

More like 35 to 40 percent these days, R530. The same is true of Democrats but at least we generally put forward competent candidates.

Why is the moderator laughing at the malignant narcissist saying no one shows up at Biden events.

I'm liking his makeup.

Wallace needs to adjust his transitions; there is only one gentleman on that stage.

"2 million people would be dead now under Biden!"

PURE LIES

R536 Let them laugh. Americans are laughing too. Let's all laugh, we need it.

[quote]Biden is ahead. Anything that maintains the status quo in the race is good for him.

Agreed. Trump needs a game-changer.

Joe is going too easy on him

I wish he'd throw more jabs

Do deplorables think Trump is making points -- it's like a bad parody of Trump. So embarrassing

This is almost embarrassing. How this our president?

Joe better bring up that Dump cares more about the economy (Wall Street) than people's lives.

The "Democrat-run states" have the best COVID numbers!

R547, give him time.

What is Joe's strategy right now???

Trump thinks it's The Apprentice, what a clown!

Hmmm, according to fact checkers, Biden is the one who has levied more insults (for those who think he’s not being tough enough).

YOU would know about divorce, double-divorced motherfucker

Trump bringing that little dick energy in spades.

DON"T call him a millionaire!

Late night television, SNL writers must be in overdrive. You can't make this shit up.

donald cannot even self-govern, much less administer to 300 million of us.

SPIT IT OUT, JOE

[quote]Do deplorables think Trump is making points

I haven't checked, and won't check, but I'd bet a shitload of money that they do think just that, that Trump is "dominating" Biden and totally "winning."

Biden needs to interject the way Trumps doing.

Yashar Ali:

The commission on presidential debates is going to have to explore giving the moderator the ability to mute the mics for future debates.

We can't keep doing this.

[quote]This is gold for Trump's base.

No. One. Gives. A. Fuck. About The. Base!!!

It's so clear that Trump is lying.

This is just embarrassing

$750 tax mention!

Yes! He got in the $750 in taxes.

When Trump joins his thumb and forefinger to make a point it’s a good thing that I’m 15,000 km away because I would happily shoot them off.

TAXES! Yes, don't overlook the opportunity to bring up that tax dodge asshole Trump.

great line

you can't fix economy until you fix coronavirus crisis

GOOD, JOE!

R548 Yes. but it's irrelevant. He'll keep his 43-44% percent. That will not make him President again.

Talk to the proles in their homes, Joe! They all know Bezos is getting richer.

R563 No he doesn't. Joe's doing exactly what he needs to do. Frump is the unhinged one in this debate. Let him show all the undecided voters that there is only one choice, and that choice is Joe Biden.

Is he wearing a girdle?? He cannot stand up.

Trump is out of control I had to turn it off. I'll watch the highlights tomorrow.

Omg Joe is KILLING IT!

Marry me r569!!

Ha, Attacking him on his nonsensical 'reopen the schools' tweets.

"You can't fix the economy until you fix the COVID crisis."

THANK YOU.

This and Trump's stupidity should be HAMMERED.

Turn off his mike!

Did Trump borrow his suit from David Byrne?!

Trump must be talking about his Trump Towers and bankrupt properties

Go, Joe! talk to the people again!

Glad to hear that fact checkers are saying that Joe has lobbed more insults because he is doing it in a way that still makes him the rational, sane one.

talking about 750 taxes now!

TAXES TIME

TAXES. HERE IT COMES

Holy shit. WHY ARE THEY LETTING HIM GET AWAY WITH THIS?

[quote]Biden needs to interject the way Trumps doing.

Actually, no he doesn't.

“I brought back football”. WTF???

I wish Joe was a more dynamic speaker. The Clown is throwing 1000 sounds per second of pure stupidity but it's still noise.

“Excuse me, he made a statement!”

And he’s allowed to speak again, after his two minutes and interruptions.

Trump is only capable of playing to his base. That’s all he knows how to do. His “performance” tonight is not surprising.

Biden looks like the calm adult in the room.

As with every debate tho, this won’t change much. No one is undecided at this point.

"People want to be safe!"

Good one, Joe

Insecurity is loud. That is a big part of the explanation as to why Trump is so big mouthed rude and trying to stop Biden and the moderator speak. I must confess my nerves are shredded watching this debate on the BBC in the UK.

Biden just said show us your tax returns

Hahaha, ask him why he's broke!

He pimps Ivanka's pussy as a tax writeoff

“Show us your tax returns then”

Show us your returns!

JOE BIDEN: SHOW US YOUR TAX RETURNS! YES!

The tax lies now

Joe, “ show us your tax returns. show us your tax returns”

Trump is out if control but Biden isn't killing it. This is a shitshow.

Biden needs to complete his thoughts regardless of Trump talking over him.

Joe, keep saying "show us your tax returns". It's pissing Trump off.

Look at these two old fucks. Jesus.

Look at these two old fucks. Jesus.

STAND UP, CHRIS

"You'll see it as soon as it's finished"

LIES LIES LIES TRUMP'S BEEN SAYING THAT FOR YEARS

r594 I thought around 14% of Americans were supposed to be undecided?

Joe needs to hit him on taxes

c'mon don't let him bs out of this

Every word out of his mouth is a lie.

$750 tax - loving it!

BTW the New York Times just dropped Part 3 of its series on Trump's taxes.

Trump is sweating.

What a child that man is!

Joe's being too nice

I'm sorry I want him to smash Trump on taxes

he's being too nice

$750! His undocumented Mara Lago busboys paid more!

GO JOE!!!

Yes!!@@@

"Worst America has ever had!!"

Go Joe!!

Not answering the question--just rambling and making assuming people don't understand

Trump got out of the taxes quickly

WTF

Joe didn't go after him other than saying to release his taxes

he should have brought up all the debt and foreign payments. Why didn't he?

"You are the worst president America has ever had"

Are foreigners watching this?

Wallace sucks as moderator here.

someone make a part II

I think this take is probably accurate:

[quote]I’m seeing a lot of people complaining about Chris Wallace, saying Trump is dominating the debate. That’s not what I’m seeing. Trump is taking up more time. But I don’t think he’s helping himself.

cunts!!!!!

[quote]Are foreigners watching this?

Of course we are!

Wallace is a cunt!

"Trump sounds like Archie Bunker." OMG, I thinking the same thing!

Joe - excellent on the auto industry

They need Anderson to moderate.

CHINA ATE YOUR LUNCH JOE.

Trump has lost. Hee! Cunt!

Trump is floundering.

oh, dear.

Biden called him "clown". Amazing.

I thought this would be insane, but I had no idea it would be this insane.

JOE IS DOING GREAT! LOVE!

Joe's smile is amazBALLS!

Trump is talking gibberish, he's lost, he's drowning

What is Trump babbling about?

Trump is hilariously mentally ill

Joe has thrown Trump off his game and caused him to stammer.

Omg Joe Biden is doing so well. He’s gone far beyond my expectations.

Why is the moderator going to Biden first for every question?

Because Trump is crazy!

Where's Don Jr? Doing coke?

Fab!!!!

Am I the last one?

Trump wasn't interrupting Hillary every 10 seconds in 2016. Why is he doing that now?

This thread is still open at 653 responses?

YES!!!!!

yippee!

656 reponses bitches!!!

Biden does not need to motivate Democrats to vote because Trump is doing it for him. Democrats are going to come out in droves to vote against Trump