![Biden-Trump Debate: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly](https://cdn.digg.com/submitted-links/160x160/1719578246-xJYXwUCfHP.jpg)
Last night's Presidential debate was something of a catastrophe. Two exceedingly unpopular political candidates blathered on to a country that has already forgotten what was said on stage, and what both candidates have done in these past few months.
If you didn't watch the debate, we congratulate you for your good sense and self care, but we know you're curious about how things went down. Here are the takeaways.
The Good
It's exceedingly difficult to write anything here beyond "This space is intentionally left blank," but we'll try.
The shots were in focus, the live streams didn't cut out and the lighting was workman like. See? We can say good things.
If nothing else, the fact that this debate is happening so early in the cycle — before either the RNC or DNC — means that there's still time to make major shifts in the campaigns. It's unlikely that the candidates will change, but the messaging certainly can.
Plus, it's a good time for gamblers to be making some quick bucks as the internet freaks out.
The Bad
The most abysmal aspect of the entire event was CNN's complete and total abandonment of their journalistic duty during the debate.
There was no meaningful attempt to push back at blatant lies or question-dodges the whole night. The worst performance wasn't Trump or Biden — it was Jake Tapper.
But, when you look at the candidates themselves, it's clear that it was a terrible night for them too. Biden is getting the brunt of the negative attention for a performance with lots of stumbles and a doddering tone all around. He did a bad job, and now there's lots of talk about convincing him to step down — something that seems very unlikely to happen.
As for Trump, it was fire and brimstone as always, but more importantly it was a night full of fabrications — as if ChatGPT was in charge of making up nonsense out of whole cloth.
Confusingly, he called Biden a "bad Palestinian" and straight-up lied about Democrats killing children. Good thing CNN didn't get around to substantial fact checks for hours.
The Ugly
ok if you don't live in the US, please turn the debate off. This is our private family humiliation, and we'd all prefer you not stare.
— Ginny Hogan_ (@ginnyhogan_) June 28, 2024
Every American watching the debate and realizing that we really are a late stage empire pic.twitter.com/Yy7ZmCxXI0
— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) June 28, 2024
the worst thing about them playing the debate at the strip club rn is that neither sound nor subtitles are on so its just the vibe of the debate. pic.twitter.com/FT0nCroEuW
— reversecowgirl69 (@botticellibimbo) June 28, 2024
Apparently, "debate moderator" means a person who can read questions off a card and do absolutely no follow-up or fact checking or accountability or context for voters.
— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) June 28, 2024
This is truly one of CNN's worst nights. Everyone involved in making decisions for it should feel embarrassed.
this debate feel like an SNL skit 💀 pic.twitter.com/FauC1RRNeM
— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) June 28, 2024
CNN's decision to abrogate its journalistic responsibilities by not fact checking Trump's firehose of lies is unforgivable.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 28, 2024
This debate is Biden vs the tag team of Trump and CNN's utter failure as a news organization
Canadians watching this debate. pic.twitter.com/bedl7ahPqc
— Ahmed Ali (@DrAhmednurAli) June 28, 2024
Fun fact about the debate:
— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) June 28, 2024
It’s the first time the Secret Service has allowed a convicted felon to get this close to the President of the United States.
The first Presidential debate will be held today. pic.twitter.com/aFO06xuM6d
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 27, 2024
— nikki mccann ramírez (@NikkiMcR) June 28, 2024
actual footage of Dem strategists tonight: pic.twitter.com/cLVM3THvcC
— Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) June 28, 2024
THEY TALKING ABOUT GOLF?!
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) June 28, 2024
Watch the full debate here:
[Image: CNN]