# Will you watch the debates? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 29, 2020, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813 "2020-09-29T12:59:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2020, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/81 "2020-09-29T23:19:27Z")
Yep Trump lies and Biden doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2020, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/82 "2020-09-29T23:26:11Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > If Biden was ashamed to release his tax info maybe. Wait, he released that today? Fuck. > He paid 300k in federal taxes? > Double fuck. > I mean, in actuality, 300k x fuck. 400x fuck (400 \* 750 = 300K) ---
**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 29, 2020, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/83 "2020-09-29T23:41:04Z")
> [@Boycott](#): > > I hope we get 2012 Biden who just laughingly dismantles his opponent’s arguments on the way to victory. If that Biden turned up I’d be confident. This. The more serious trump gets, the less seriously Biden should take him. Even staring at trump with thinly disguised pity would be good. Biden cannot take the bait or out-bully the bully. Or try to use reason with trump. Trump and reason do not go together. > [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I’m hoping they have prepped Biden to engage in psychological warfare. Trump is incredibly thin skinned, and his mental health issues have been readily on display for the last four years. If Biden can land a few well placed barbs to early on to throw Trump off his game, and then keep needling him he may be able to send him into a fit of drooling incoherence by the end of the night. This might work, but I think the martial arts approach of using your opponent’s aggression against him will work better. Instead of going head-to-orange-head with the bully, step aside and let him find himself thrusting into nothing. Then come in with the barbs when trump is on his knees. Sorry for that visual. 🤢 > [@madmonk28](#): > > It will be interesting to see his supporters on this board come here tomorrow and describe what we’ve seen with our own eyes during the debates. Not just here but on twitter and everywhere. They will be looking through trump goggles and seeing a completely different universe from the rest of us. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/84 "2020-09-29T23:44:13Z")
So is this our 1st debate watch-along thread? ---
**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 29, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/85 "2020-09-29T23:46:32Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > So is this our 1st debate watch-along thread?- YES. > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Will this be the Officially Designated Doper Live Commentary thread on the debates? So those of us who are emotionally fragile and on medication won’t have to watch fer-real? Heaps of gratitude on the heads of those strong warriors with stomachs (not to mention constitutions\*) of steel who will take one for the team. > > \*See what I did there? > [@Mike\_Mabes](#): > > Let’s make it so. My brother will be watching and giving me updates as well. But some will probably start another one anyway. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2020, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/86 "2020-09-29T23:48:06Z")
I personally think there’s more risk for Biden than there is for Trump. The debates are not really about substance; they’re about style. Trump and Biden partisans just want to see their candidates fight; the few ‘persuadables’ who will be watching will consist of mostly disaffected voters whose criteria for voting are often vague and undefined. I suspect that they will go with their instincts, their ‘gut feel’ based on what they see of the candidates’ facial expressions and behavior. I think that slightly favors Trump because he will come across as the alpha male chimp shaking the tree. To rational people, it won’t matter because we will have already made up our minds, but people who don’t know who the fuck they’re voting for will default to their “Who looks stronger? Who looks like a leader?” instincts. I’ve seen this in real life. The guy who bullshits, who has absolutely no fucking clue what he’s talking about but is so sure of himself that he can, on some primitive level, convince others around him that he does. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2020, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/87 "2020-09-29T23:52:07Z")
> [@urbanredneck2](#): > > Do you really think there is anything Biden could mess up on that could cost him his base? Why yes, yes it could. Because at least some of the Democrats are looking at facts and performance. And if Biden makes a fool of himself, there will be people who don’t want to be associated with him. Now I return the question to you, do you think that given his proven history of lies, deception, double dealing and petty insults, do you think there is anything ELSE Trump could do to lose his base? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/88 "2020-09-30T00:04:03Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > > [@madmonk28](#): > > > > It will be interesting to see his supporters on this board come here tomorrow and describe what we’ve seen with our own eyes during the debates. > > Not just here but on twitter and everywhere. They will be looking through trump goggles and seeing a completely different universe from the rest of us. Exactly. As I said earlier, since most of his supporters possess neither factual knowledge nor comprehension, they will be impressed as long as Trump’s pie-hole is flapping and he’s acting aggressive and calling Biden names, like eight-year-olds do in the schoolyard at recess, which is about the pinnacle of the orange ignoramus’s capabilities. The fact that he does so while said pie-hole undergoes contortions like the anus of a desperately constipated camel is a comical bonus, though his acolytes never seem to notice the stunning resemblance. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/89 "2020-09-30T00:07:43Z")
There are very few undecided voters, the big question is whether trump,and his supporters will allow free and fair elections, a question that Trump has refused to answer. Mostly, I’m hoping to see Trump further humiliate himself in front of the world. ---
**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, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/90 "2020-09-30T00:37:59Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Exactly. As I said earlier, since most of his supporters possess neither factual knowledge nor comprehension, they will be impressed as long as Trump’s pie-hole is flapping and he’s acting aggressive and calling Biden names, like eight-year-olds do in the schoolyard at recess, which is about the pinnacle of the orange ignoramus’s capabilities. The fact that he does so while said pie-hole undergoes contortions like the anus of a desperately constipated camel is a comical bonus, though his acolytes never seem to notice the stunning resemblance. You will henceforth refrain from posting stuff like this while I’m eating! Not just because the images are disgusting, but also because I almost choked from laughing. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/91 "2020-09-30T00:40:14Z")
I’m going to have to watch at least the first few minutes. Whether or not I continue will depend on how well Biden is doing. If this is the day that Trump completely loses his mind I want to see it. Keeping in mind of course that old blues song - Can’t Lose What You Never Had. ---
**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, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/92 "2020-09-30T00:42:34Z")
I suggest watching with the sound off and the closed captioning on. Fewer senses subjected to traumatic stimuli. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/93 "2020-09-30T01:02:40Z")
I’m staying here. Still awake. Wondering if I will watch the debate or rather read what you all think about it. Let’s go. ---
**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, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/94 "2020-09-30T01:03:10Z")
All the pundits and commentators are checking in from home. I’m watching on PBS. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/95 "2020-09-30T01:05:55Z")
I thought there was to be no audience. ---
**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, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/96 "2020-09-30T01:07:22Z")
> **[No handshakes, limited audience: Covid shapes final Trump-Biden debate talks](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/26/trump-biden-debate-coronavirus-422040)** > > The two candidates and moderator Chris Wallace will not wear masks at Tuesday's debate, per final negotiations between the campaigns. > And unlike past presidential debates, there will be a limited audience of only 75 to 80 people, all of whom will be tested prior to attending the debate, which will be held on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University. ---
**Author:** ![Mickyfinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e19b73/32.png) [@Mickyfinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mickyfinn)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/97 "2020-09-30T01:09:22Z")
Supreme Court nominee:. “I’ll have alot of time after the election, as you know” (to elect). Douchebag. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/98 "2020-09-30T01:11:33Z")
You’re going to socialist! ---
**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, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/99 "2020-09-30T01:11:52Z")
I already have a headache. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2020, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813/100 "2020-09-30T01:15:03Z")
I wonder how many more moderator-trump arguments this will see. That was pretty funny. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-watch-the-debates/921813.md?page=6)