Hope everyone has been well. I’m looking forward, as we have all campaign, to watching the debate with you. The “with you” part is critical, as I’m not necessarily looking forward to this debate.
I’ll share thoughts as the night goes on, but I want to hear from you. What are you looking for in this debate? What do you expect? What do you hope to see?
Typically, Trump has been able to start debates in a disciplined way, but he can't maintain it. Interested to see how long he maintains this. Decent start for him.
When Trump said he could have locked himself up in a room for months while the virus was going on, Biden should have said that the American people would have preferred that. Missed zinger!
Mainly, I'm hoping and looking for a less chaotic debate. I expect Trump to bring up Hunter Biden's son and I expect Biden to talk more about the President's coronavirus handling. I would love to see either candidate address the recent news showing the inability to find the parents of separated immigrant children, although seems unlike Trump will do so.
Would definitely appreciate a discussion of the refugee resettlement program, pressing the President particularly on how slashing the numbers hurts our posture abroad but also impacts local communities, non-profit ministries, etc. And would like to hear from Biden a specific vision for rebuilding it.
As irritating as Bill Stepien's harassment of the debate commission has been, I am actually looking forward to some questions and answers about foreign policy. That's the one area that presidents actually do greatly affect! In particular:
- What will each of their North Korea strategies be? Is Trump still "in love" with Kim?
- Would Trump leave NATO in a second term? Please just ask him straight up.
- Would Biden encourage the US to rejoin the UN Security Council, especially after it just welcomed China and Russia to serve for the next three years?
- Speaking of China, do the candidates wish to support the Hong Kong democracy activists, Uighers, and Tibetans? If so, how?
Probably needless to say, but I was vastly disappointed. How were the only China questions about Trump's bank account and what he'll do to punish them for COVID?
I feel this is a really solid answer from Biden on healthcare. My sister is the mythical "wisconsin suburban Christian white woman undecided voter" and she does not want medicare for all. I think that answer from Biden would really sway her towards him.
I'm looking forward to the "with you" part, but also to watching the debate with something specific in mind. Granted that this is highly unlikely, any mentions of faith or voting access will perk my attention for my work with Sojo :)
I'm wondering what Trump has actually done for criminal justice and prison reform in his term. Trump's answers regarding immigration were hard to swallow. He didn't give an answer as to the reunification of parents and children but equated them to rapists. It was quite frustrating. Also very, very confused about the small windows Trump was referring to....
I was more impressed with both than i have been in the past. Trump pulled it in (as much as he could) and i was surprised/impressed by that. Biden didnt have rambling answers and seemed prepared. Top notch moderator. Appreciated that Biden owned a few mistakes from the past, makes him seem responsible, honest, humble. Biden talking about growing up with windshield wipers with oil on them made him seem credible. He always mentions "scranton" and that answer gave the supporting evidence. The real question is, did more people watch the football game or the debate?
How do folks feel about Biden's response on the COVID question? I feel comforted by the sensibility and clarity, but interested if other people get that.
It felt much clear than some of his responses in the primaries. Being in Wisconsin, we are surging with COVID and nursing home deaths are rising. Although, Biden sounds like the "doom and gloom" guy, it feels like he understands how doomed we are right now.
It will be interesting to see what we hear from Biden on foreign affairs. From what I have heard, the themes have thus far been broad. It will be good to hear his specific takes on the issue of the day.
I've heard a lot about how the GOP has talked about healthcare but haven't released a plan yet. Is that a Trump thing? or is that the inconsistency of the GOP in general?
They haven't really put out a comprehensive package since Graham-Cassidy, which failed to advance during the "Repeal and Replace" fight a few years back. That package did not have strong protections for pre-existing conditions.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Trump acts in each 2 minute period when his microphone is off. If Trump carries on the way he did in the first debate, I'm looking forward to seeing how the moderator responds, hopefully more forcefully than Christ Wallace.
"He's a very confused guy. He thinks he's running against somebody else. He's running against Joe Biden." *APPLAUSE*
I was so thankful for that moment
Trump's discipline is slipping, as per usual.
The ease with which Trump lies, like he did about releasing his taxes just now, is just eye-widening.
Typically, Trump has been able to start debates in a disciplined way, but he can't maintain it. Interested to see how long he maintains this. Decent start for him.
the money/fundraising topic seems to be a sore spot for Trump.
Appreciate Biden's righteous anger here
Most strategic opening 15 minutes of a debate for Trump. Interested to see if he'll be disciplined enough to capitalize and build on it.
I think he lost it with his weird basement rant.
When Trump said he could have locked himself up in a room for months while the virus was going on, Biden should have said that the American people would have preferred that. Missed zinger!
It's quite a contrast from the first one. Almost jarringly so!
Mainly, I'm hoping and looking for a less chaotic debate. I expect Trump to bring up Hunter Biden's son and I expect Biden to talk more about the President's coronavirus handling. I would love to see either candidate address the recent news showing the inability to find the parents of separated immigrant children, although seems unlike Trump will do so.
Doubling down on the dehumanizing language. Not making it easy for Christians to support him.
"i take full responsibility, its not my fault" sounds like Trump's biography.
lol
Would definitely appreciate a discussion of the refugee resettlement program, pressing the President particularly on how slashing the numbers hurts our posture abroad but also impacts local communities, non-profit ministries, etc. And would like to hear from Biden a specific vision for rebuilding it.
That's a great point. I really care about that as well.
As usual, Trump missed an opportunity. Biden answered so much better speaking directly to me.
Trump can’t speak to climate change. Tiny windows?
"Trump against tiny windows."
was he trying to describe portholes?
I like that he speaks to the camera.
it feels like Trump is channeling his inner "professional business meeting" tone and attitude.
As irritating as Bill Stepien's harassment of the debate commission has been, I am actually looking forward to some questions and answers about foreign policy. That's the one area that presidents actually do greatly affect! In particular:
- What will each of their North Korea strategies be? Is Trump still "in love" with Kim?
- Would Trump leave NATO in a second term? Please just ask him straight up.
- Would Biden encourage the US to rejoin the UN Security Council, especially after it just welcomed China and Russia to serve for the next three years?
- Speaking of China, do the candidates wish to support the Hong Kong democracy activists, Uighers, and Tibetans? If so, how?
great comment
Probably needless to say, but I was vastly disappointed. How were the only China questions about Trump's bank account and what he'll do to punish them for COVID?
wow, that Biden answer was oddly specific and i appreciated it
I feel this is a really solid answer from Biden on healthcare. My sister is the mythical "wisconsin suburban Christian white woman undecided voter" and she does not want medicare for all. I think that answer from Biden would really sway her towards him.
I’m glad Biden is giving more clear policy issues. Trump is still not handling the mics well.
I'm looking forward to the "with you" part, but also to watching the debate with something specific in mind. Granted that this is highly unlikely, any mentions of faith or voting access will perk my attention for my work with Sojo :)
What did you all think of the debate?
I'm wondering what Trump has actually done for criminal justice and prison reform in his term. Trump's answers regarding immigration were hard to swallow. He didn't give an answer as to the reunification of parents and children but equated them to rapists. It was quite frustrating. Also very, very confused about the small windows Trump was referring to....
Me too, Polly!
I was more impressed with both than i have been in the past. Trump pulled it in (as much as he could) and i was surprised/impressed by that. Biden didnt have rambling answers and seemed prepared. Top notch moderator. Appreciated that Biden owned a few mistakes from the past, makes him seem responsible, honest, humble. Biden talking about growing up with windshield wipers with oil on them made him seem credible. He always mentions "scranton" and that answer gave the supporting evidence. The real question is, did more people watch the football game or the debate?
Rachael, you are very smart, and I'm so glad you participated in this tonight. So appreciated your insights.
Thank you! I always look forward to content you produce for us.
So grateful for those who participated tonight. Really great comments and thoughts...I learned a number of things from you all tonight. Thank you!
How do folks feel about Biden's response on the COVID question? I feel comforted by the sensibility and clarity, but interested if other people get that.
It felt much clear than some of his responses in the primaries. Being in Wisconsin, we are surging with COVID and nursing home deaths are rising. Although, Biden sounds like the "doom and gloom" guy, it feels like he understands how doomed we are right now.
I do think the "dark Winter" line was a bit much
Glad he specifically mentioned additional resources to equip institutions to actually implement guidelines
Worth reading in advance of tonight's debate: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-01-23/why-america-must-lead-again
It will be interesting to see what we hear from Biden on foreign affairs. From what I have heard, the themes have thus far been broad. It will be good to hear his specific takes on the issue of the day.
Do people still know Perry Mason?
Can’t answer how to reunite children and their parents.
How does someone pay their taxes in advance? Serious question here.
I just to my husband, "pre paid taxes is going to be the most googled thing after this debate."
Did he mean...withholdings?
He has no self awareness
I’m curious if Biden bringing up the decimation of the refugee resettlement would impact more voters.
Where’s the mute?
No one believes what he says about his taxes.
I've heard a lot about how the GOP has talked about healthcare but haven't released a plan yet. Is that a Trump thing? or is that the inconsistency of the GOP in general?
They haven't really put out a comprehensive package since Graham-Cassidy, which failed to advance during the "Repeal and Replace" fight a few years back. That package did not have strong protections for pre-existing conditions.
I really hope and pray things don't get out of control.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Trump acts in each 2 minute period when his microphone is off. If Trump carries on the way he did in the first debate, I'm looking forward to seeing how the moderator responds, hopefully more forcefully than Christ Wallace.
What foreign policy items will come up? Russia, Ukraine, China, Middle East?
Religious persecution came up in the debates in 2016...tonight? Will New START come up? NATO?
I hope they bring up Turkey. Turkey is the best example why NATO doesn't work as intended and needs reform.