I watched much of the debate last night featuring Joe Biden and Donald Trump. I will first and foremost say that I prefer Donald Trump over Joe Biden for many reasons. Whatever Trump may do during the debate does not change the substance of their positions. Having said that, let's take a look at the debate and what happened.
From my point of view, I cannot defend the actions of Donald Trump during this debate. He continually interrupted, made irrelevant points, etc. I think he discovered that he could flummox Biden by interjecting random comments. Biden often took the bait. He would go off his planned speech and try to address whatever word or phrase Trump through out. Trump used this to knock Biden off-kilter.
People were saying Trump was debating Chris Wallace along with Biden. I kind of get where they are coming from. Biden seemed like he was being attacked by Trump and so Wallace would step in to defend him. One commentator asked, why not just have the candidates in a room without a moderator and just have at it. At this point, that's almost what it was.
These are not just the actions of Mr. Trump. I have noticed this type of comportment in various debates, whether in the US or Canada or locally. Instead of both parties having an understood agreement that they will let the other speak, they seem to be using tactical bullying and talking-over to get their points across. It's more of a battle than simply a battle of words.
More civil debates seemed to rely on the premise that "I will let you speak and get your full point across. Ultimately I don't want people following you, and so it would be better for you to not even say your points of view. However, if I am to get my own point across, I will sacrifice the chance to interrupt you so that I can have a chance to speak myself."
Nowadays, it's more like don't let the other person get a point across lest people may be convinced by his argument. Make the other person look ridiculous, incoherent, etc. Perhaps they are attempting to appear dominant. The person who speaks over the other more wins?
Either way, I think it is a blow to what debates aspire to. As someone I know mentioned, if this were a high school debate, they would both be told to sit back down and get an F.
People choose sides, it's just what people do naturally. But I think you can be in favour of a candidate without condoning his behavior. I definitely do not want Biden to win, I think he has a very dangerous party and dangerous ideas. The style of debate is not the same as the platform of the parties. Therefore, I think Trump should win and lead the country. There is a lot at stake.
If you want to see a big difference from the new style of debate, check out a debate featuring Ronald Reagan. He argues well but he is still cordial and follows the rules of etiquette. If Trump is the proponent of Law and Order, it starts with your comportment.
