The inaugural presidential debate, marked by interruptions and exchanges of disparaging remarks, spanned a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the supreme court vacancy to the pandemic to racial injustice. However, the debate fell short of delivering coherent and constructive arguments from both sides of the podium. Rather than proposing substantial policy changes for Washington, the candidates often engaged in acrimony and contentious comments.

Moderated by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, the debate commenced with the contentious issue of the supreme court vacancy. Wallace probed the Republican effort to swiftly appoint a new Supreme Court Justice prior to the presidential election, referencing the precedent established during the Merrick Garland nomination. Evading the question, President Trump emphasized the qualifications of his SC nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Trump further asserted his executive prerogative to fill the supreme court vacancy, stating, ‘A president is elected for four years. We are not elected for three years.’ Biden’s response was, ‘I’m not opposed to the Justice, she seems like a very nice person,’ while emphasizing the significance of public input in selecting a supreme court justice. He advocated for postponing the nomination until after the presidential election to achieve this goal.

On the matter of court packing, Biden refrained from expressing a definitive stance, avoiding direct confirmation or denial of his approval for a move that could alter the current conservative-leaning majority.

Regarding the pandemic, Biden criticized Trump’s perceived inadequate response to COVID-19, highlighting the avoidable loss of over 200,000 American lives and the daily rise of 40,000 COVID-19 cases. Biden invoked a quote from President Trump regarding the coronavirus, ‘It is what it is.’

Trump countered by claiming that under a Biden presidency, the death toll would have exceeded 2,000,000. He asserted that his administration successfully facilitated the production of medical supplies such as gowns, masks, and ventilators for the American populace, concluding, ‘[Biden] could never have done the job.’

The debate took a personal turn as Biden urged the President to ‘shut up’ and later referred to him as a ‘clown.’ In response, President Trump launched counterattacks, targeting Joe Biden’s son and his purported struggles with drug abuse. Trump stated, ‘Hunter got thrown out of the military. He was thrown out, dishonorably discharged for cocaine use.’ Biden offered an emotional rejoinder, acknowledging Hunter’s efforts to overcome his challenges and expressing his pride.

Regarding climate change and environmental awareness, Trump expressed the belief in ensuring clean air and water without undermining the economy. Biden advocated for rejoining the Paris Climate Accord as his initial step if elected, presenting a plan aimed at creating jobs through clean energy initiatives.

Both candidates committed to accepting the results of the election, though President Trump conditioned his acceptance on the fairness of the election process.

Key Quotes from the Debate:

• Joe Biden in response to Trump’s assertion on socialist medicine: ‘The party is me. Right now, I am the Democratic Party.’
• Trump on condemning white supremacy and far-right groups: ‘Sure, I’m prepared to do that. But I would say almost everything I see is from the left-wing, not from the right-wing. If you look, I’m willing to do anything. I want to see peace.’ He later addressed the Proud Boys, saying ‘Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.’
• Responding to Trump’s healthcare plan explanation, Biden stated, ‘[Trump] has no plan for healthcare. … The fact is this man has no idea what he’s talking about.’
• After Biden’s comment on Trump needing to ‘get smarter,’ Trump retorted, ‘You graduated either the lowest or almost the lowest in your class. Don’t ever use the word smart with me… Don’t ever use that word. Because you know what? There’s nothing smart about you, Joe. Forty-seven years you’ve done nothing.’

In spite of its 95-minute duration, the first presidential debate yielded scant policy nuances capable of persuading undecided voters. While fervent Trump supporters celebrated the President’s performance, enthusiastic Biden backers claimed victory for the former vice president. Nevertheless, it can be argued that neither candidate emerged victorious that night, casting a shadow over the United States. Both Trump and Biden owed the American public comprehensive responses to vital administrative inquiries, elucidating their positions on crucial issues. Regrettably, the debate fell short of this expectation. The cherished American tradition of fostering open dialogue and constructive argumentation suffered a setback that evening. The historically resonant Douglass-Lincoln debates, emblematic of American deliberation over the past century, appeared distant in the current landscape of American politics. As a nation, we stand at a juncture of uncertainty.