Democratic candidate Joe Biden quietly won his first face-to-face meeting yesterday with outgoing US President Donald Trump after 90 minutes of cacophonous exchanges.
• Read also: The verdict of our experts
• Read also: Trump vs. Biden: Personal Attacks Over Confused Debate
“Biden is a winner if only because he comes out of the debate largely unscathed,” argues US policy scholar Rafael Jacob.
“Trump arrived in a bad position. The least we can say is that he did not act to improve his position, ”continues the researcher associated with the Raoul-Dandurand chair at UQAM.
Tens of millions of Americans had their eyes riveted on the two septuagenarians for this first debate in Cleveland, in the key state of Ohio.
Recall the order
Fox News moderator Chris Wallace had to regularly call President Trump to order, who seemed to take pleasure in interrupting “Sleeping Joe”, whose physical and mental capacities he made fun of. since weeks.
But did the former Democratic vice-president really lack awareness?
“If that’s the case, good for him,” says Mr. Jacob. It projects an image of respite. After tonight [hier], it may be attractive to many people. “
TRump’s taxes
The game was divided into 15-minute segments addressing six themes: the Supreme Court, COVID-19, racial violence and tensions in American cities, the economy, the record of the two candidates and the integrity of the election. .
Trump’s shenanigans to avoid paying tax, “gold ammunition in Biden’s hands,” have given way to acrimonious exchanges.
Karine Premont
Teacher
With less than 35 days before the poll, very few voters remain to be convinced. Two polls published in September revealed that a meager 3% said they were still undecided.
And they still give Joe Biden a seven-point lead.
“The first debate is the most important of the three, the most listened to, and that’s where the big guns come out […]. But the debates are more entertainment than information ”, qualifies the professor of applied policy at the University of Sherbrooke Karine Prémont.
Sad spectacle
For Mr. Jacob, this “spectacle” was “of infinite sadness for American voters and American democracy”.
Donald Trump’s defeat risks amplifying his anxiety: he could become the first president not to be re-elected since George HW Bush’s defeat to Bill Clinton in 1992.
“Voting intentions have not changed much since April, since the health crisis has worsened in the United States”, specifies the professor.
“Can you shut it up boy?” It does not sound presidential. ” – Joe Biden
“There’s nothing smart about you, Joe. ” – Donald Trump
“It’s hard to place a word with this clown … Excuse me, that person.” ” – Joe Biden
“It’s not going to end well. ” – Donald Trump, after refusing to speak out against white supremacy and allay concerns over election violence
“This presidency has made us weaker, poorer, more violent and more divided. ” – Joe Biden
“In 47 months, I did more than you in 47 years. ” – Donald Trump
“You are the worst president America has ever had. Come on. ” – Joe Biden
“I guess I’m debating you. ” –Donald Trump to moderator Chris Wallace