# 2020 POTUS Debate 1 (29 September) follow-along and discussion thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 30, 2020, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854 "2020-09-30T00:30:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/401 "2020-09-30T13:02:36Z")
He let it go the distance. Trump wrecked the debate, but Wallace allowed the shit show to continue without purpose. I feel sorry for him, but his job doing softball interviews on Fox does not qualify him for this kind of thing, and it was entirely predictable this would happen. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/402 "2020-09-30T13:03:51Z")
> [@solost](#): > > With all due respect, this is still where everybody underestimates trump, and that should stop. Yes, trump hates the work of actually being president-- the policy making, the briefings, dealing with the American people, etc. etc. etc. ad infinitum. So he is terrible at that stuff, like a child who hates to do his chores. > > But he _lives_ for stuff like this. His entire career, scratch that, _life_ has been about fighting in one way or another: arguing at, screaming at, browbeating, cheating and suing other people. Debates are his wheelhouse. This wasn’t a debate by any definition of the term. **MandaJo** said it perfectly. > [@MandaJo](#): > > That’s not how he works. Yes, he pops out with canned “talking points”, but they aren’t intentional or planned. Instead, someone is talking about something and his brain makes some random connection to something someone else said in a similar situation and he blurts out some mangled version of what they said. Question: How do y’all think **MIKE** Wallace would have handled the moderator job? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/403 "2020-09-30T13:04:09Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > If you followed the debate and Biden calling Trump a clown is the part that disappointed you, then you are either lying about being undecided, or you are an idiot Not an OR, they could be both. That was obviously the case with several of the so called undecided voters on CNN last night. ---
**Author:** ![ricksummon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ricksummon/32/3333_2.png) [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/404 "2020-09-30T13:07:42Z")
According to [this article,](https://www.yahoo.com/news/fox-friends-trashes-trump-blowing-114424371.html) even _Fox & Friends_ wasn’t happy with Trump’s debate performance. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/405 "2020-09-30T13:14:38Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > This wasn’t a debate by any definition of the term. **MandaJo** said it perfectly. OK, let me correct that: debating is not his wheelhouse, being an attack dog is. That worked for him better in 2016 when his bombastic style was novel and he didn’t have a terrible record as President to lie his ass off to defend. My point was that he is still dangerous in that situation, and shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s the old chestnut about not getting down in the mud with a pig, because you both come out dirty and the pig enjoys it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/406 "2020-09-30T13:17:47Z")
> [@ricksummon](#): > > According to [this article,](https://www.yahoo.com/news/fox-friends-trashes-trump-blowing-114424371.html) even _Fox & Friends_ wasn’t happy with Trump’s debate performance.- The headline of that article is, **‘Fox & Friends’ Trashes Trump for Blowing the Debate Over White Supremacists** It should read, **‘Fox & Friends’ Trashes Trump for Blatantly Showing His Love for White Supremacists** ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/407 "2020-09-30T13:19:19Z")
> [@solost](#): > > My point was that he is still dangerous in that situation, and shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s the old chestnut about not getting down in the mud with a pig, because you both come out dirty and the pig enjoys it. I don’t think I’m underestimating him. He is dangerous, no question. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/408 "2020-09-30T13:20:33Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > This. What a fucking travesty. This made the average Jerry Springer episode look dignified. There is absolutely no chance I’ll watch the other two debates, assuming they still come off. > > Someone on MSNBC said this wasn’t a debate between two political viewpoints, it was Trump debating the process. Perhaps the MAGAts may be lapping up the alpha-maleness of Trump’s performance, but I simply cannot imagine anyone else viewing such a repulsive, tiresome spectacle and saying “Yeah, that red-faced shouty guy with the weird hair, that’s my man”. > > I was nevertheless disappointed with Biden, mainly from the standpoint that it seemed like there were ample opportunities for zingers and he didn’t (or wasn’t swift enough on the uptake to) take advantage. > > And reading that last, I think it mainly just shows that I’m being suckered by Trump’s turning the whole affair into Studio Wrestling. Never mind. So well put, all of it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/409 "2020-09-30T13:27:35Z")
> **[Trump’s debate comments give an online boost to a group social media...](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/30/trump-debate-rightwing-celebration/)** > > Images celebrating the president’s comments on white supremacy spread with particular speed on conservative channels on social media sites such as Parler and Telegram. > One prominent Proud Boys supporter on Parler said Trump appeared to give permission for attacks on protesters, adding that “this makes me so happy.” Total insanity! ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/410 "2020-09-30T13:34:12Z")
Honestly, I think Trump meant to say “stand down,” or by “stand by” he meant something like “don’t get involved, don’t cause trouble, don’t jump into the thick of things.” But it doesn’t matter much. The celebrating says so much, and Trump is happy to go along with it. Despicable. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/411 "2020-09-30T13:36:03Z")
I actually agree with you. I think he misspoke. But, the delicious thing is that he’s stuck with it because he’d rather be viewed as a stark raving racist lunatic than admit he misspoke. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/412 "2020-09-30T13:36:57Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > If you followed the debate and Biden calling Trump a clown is the part that disappointed you, then you are either lying about being undecided, or you are an idiot. It’s the same group who got the vapors when Hillary used the term “basket of deplorables”. Only Don The Con is allowed to call anyone names. I’m afraid the plan was to cause people to lose faith in the electoral process and drive down turnout. I’m seeing a lot more bothsidesism the morning after than I would like. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/413 "2020-09-30T13:38:32Z")
At least in “Idiocracy” the president _listened_ to the smart guy. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/414 "2020-09-30T13:40:27Z")
Missed zinger opportunity would have been, in the context of sending mental health professionals out with police, to have mentioned trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale whom, if he were black, would probably be dead right now. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/415 "2020-09-30T14:08:27Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > > [@ricksummon](#): > > > > According to [this article,](https://www.yahoo.com/news/fox-friends-trashes-trump-blowing-114424371.html) even _Fox & Friends_ wasn’t happy with Trump’s debate performance.- > > The headline of that article is, **‘Fox & Friends’ Trashes Trump for Blowing the Debate Over White Supremacists** > > It should read, **‘Fox & Friends’ Trashes Trump for Blatantly Showing His Love for White Supremacists** Or maybe just remove “Debate Over”. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/416 "2020-09-30T14:09:56Z")
No mute button? Sheesh, that’s a tragic detail, isn’t it. It means Trump will just double down I expect. I suggest they give the moderator a button which does two thing simultaneously, first, it stops the clock on Biden’s time, (and, with luck he falls silent to just watch the Pres melt down!) second part plays, ‘Hail to The Chief‘ deafeningly loud, while the moderator, Biden, audience and home viewers watch in silent amusement. Whenever he stops talking, (give him all the time he needs), BAM! clock restarts, right back to Biden! If he starts in again, or interrupts…back to ‘Hail to The Chief’! (Of course he’s a slow learner, it could take a few go arounds. Or, he could storm off like a baby and lose his shit on Twitter, that’d be a refreshing change! ) I’d watch the hell outta that debate, HaHaHa! ---
**Author:** ![Theodore-Striker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Theodore-Striker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theodore-Striker)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/417 "2020-09-30T14:26:03Z")
Did this go any different than anyone expected? Trump was at his Trumpiest- incoherent, rambling, pandering to his base that is going to grovel at his feet, the 14 year old bully in the schoolyard. An embarrassing excuse for an adult, much less the POTUS. And for those that criticize Biden, why? He was straightforward, he stayed on message, he was level-headed, didn’t get in to a shouting match, and called out enough BS without being childish. If the criteria for “winning” the debate was who could yell the loudest and dog whistle their base without making any real substantial argument about accomplishments and plans, then of course people would declare Trump as the winner. Biden is not a great orator, but he was competent, calm, made enough points, didn’t back down, and was the adult in the room. It was debate judo. Wallace did what he could, not sure what else people could expect from him. He did his best to hold both candidates accountable, but he was a dad with a screaming child on a plane, and an older brother who just wants the baby to STFU. I love the idea of a Zoom debate where the moderator just mutes the person who should not be talking. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/418 "2020-09-30T14:41:51Z")
Why is there no mute button? I’m serious. Also, there are already photos of a “wire” on Biden’s shirt and electronic devices on his left wrist. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/419 "2020-09-30T14:49:05Z")
I bet no candidate would agree to participate if that were the condition. No one wants to look like they are getting smacked on the nose like a puppy on national TV. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854/420 "2020-09-30T14:52:31Z")
Even “stand down” suggests “lie in wait”. No, I think this is the line they are taking with the Proud Boys and similar in private–because they want their support and think they can ride the tiger “Oh, yes, the president is with you 100% but the time is not right. Stand down and stand by until the moment is right”. He’s heard this said by someone, or he wouldn’t have said it. Now, it’s entirely possible that they think they are just humoring the violent white supremacists, and hold them in nothing but scorn. But that really doesn’t matter, does it? . [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854.md?page=22)