Read on Twitter
I didn't watch either town hall event last night on TV. From what I can tell, though, the overall result was a success. Both candidates showed themselves for what they were.
Here's what I can tell from reporting.
Here's what I can tell from reporting.
Trump admitted he carries $400M in debt, and the NY Times reporting on his finances were accurate.
Offered a chance to condemn QAnon, Trump wouldn't do it.
And he showed that he can't stand up to critical questioning and the bulk of his public statements are Gish Gallops.
Offered a chance to condemn QAnon, Trump wouldn't do it.
And he showed that he can't stand up to critical questioning and the bulk of his public statements are Gish Gallops.
Biden came clean about his involvement in the 1994 crime bill and what he's learned since then.
He equivocated about court packing. But that's about all he equivocated on.
He demonstrated that he's mentally sharp, empathetic, and relatable.
He equivocated about court packing. But that's about all he equivocated on.
He demonstrated that he's mentally sharp, empathetic, and relatable.
Without Trump's motormouth running and Biden rising to the bait, there weren't the interruptions, talkovers, and general circus atmosphere of the debate.
So people saw and learned about and engaged with the candidates themselves, at least as much as the candidates engaged back.
So people saw and learned about and engaged with the candidates themselves, at least as much as the candidates engaged back.
I like this a whole lot better than the direct confrontation of a debate.
Debates don't inform. Rather, they offer opportunities for candidates to dodge the questions they're asked in favor of points from their stump speeches.
For that reason, they also don't persuade.
Debates don't inform. Rather, they offer opportunities for candidates to dodge the questions they're asked in favor of points from their stump speeches.
For that reason, they also don't persuade.
Debates harden hearts rather than persuade the undecided or those with but weak preferences.
We have this notion that a "Lincoln-Douglas style debate" will somehow be good but it never is. Instead, they frustrate; and at, best merely entertain.
They generate heat but not light.
We have this notion that a "Lincoln-Douglas style debate" will somehow be good but it never is. Instead, they frustrate; and at, best merely entertain.
They generate heat but not light.
