Who would’ve thought that last night’s presidential debate would unfold as it did? I didn’t. Despite a format that discourages substantive discussion, two very different candidates emerged to help undecided voters make up their minds.
Vice President Harris clearly did much better in the debate. She was positive and upbeat while former president Trump was negative and angry. The ninety minutes provided a clear choice for voters.
Trump’s behavior reminded me of Venezuela’s Maduro railing against real and imaginary enemies, playing to people’s worst instincts and blaming others for his own shortcomings. Throughout the evening, he referred to immigrants as rapists, criminals and terrorists and frequently used his description as a ploy in answering questions. He continued to make excuses for those who assaulted the Capitol or his role in inciting it, reiterated that he had won the 2020 election, and described the U.S. as a failing nation characterized by chaos. One couldn’t help but compare his tactics to past and present oligarchs and dictators. In this vein, he cited his approval by Viktor Orban, Hungarian strongman, and refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine out of respect for Vladimir Putin.
In contrast, Harris repeatedly asked Americans to do the right thing, saying that we should not go back, that it is time to turn the page. She brought up Trump’s criminal trials, his past actions in disparaging the military and John McCain, downplaying the racist violence in Charlottesville and his threats toward the foundation of our democracy in an effort to remain in office. In short, she used much of her time to warn us about Donald Trump.
If the evening was short on specifics, policy analysis and proposals regarding pressing issues, it was rich in revealing the candidates’ qualities to be president. Trump does not appear to have policies, other than cutting taxes and imposing tariffs. He is instead against Obamacare, real immigration reform, abortion regardless of the circumstances, the independence of Ukraine and support for NATO. For nine years, despite promises, he has never come up with a health care plan.
In the end, however, the bona fides for the two candidates reside primarily in the eyes of the observers. We all have our biases and partisan leanings, but need to realize that the future of our country is at stake. Will we continue to live up to the vision of the Founders or will we falter and join those countries ruled by oligarchs where citizens are
are merely fodder for greed and the personal ambition of the ruling class?