Analyze the Debate Performance: Was Trump’s Smart Move an Illusion?

Feuds and bickering over who outsmarted whom during presidential debates can often be more entertaining than substantive. However, the debate between Trump and Biden in the 2020 election stirred a lot of heated discussions, with one side asserting that Trump outsmarted Biden, while the other accused Trump of not being very smart. This article will explore the debate performance of both candidates, examining whether the allegations have support or are mere illusions.

Did Trump Outsmart Biden?

Many argue that Trump's performance was not a reflection of his intelligence or strategic acumen but rather a continuation of his stylistic and rhetorical patterns. Trump's tendency to use fragmented sentences and tangential responses has been a hallmark of his communication style. Critics argue that he deliberately avoided direct answers, often going off on tangents or repeating the same point multiple times. This is not a sudden strategic shift but aligns with his typical communication style.

Biden's Performance

From a different perspective, Biden was seen as more composed and focused. While some critics complained that he got sidetracked, others praised his ability to stay on topic. Biden appeared to be more direct in his answers, attempting to address the questions at hand. This performance marked a deviation from previous interviews, where Biden sometimes veered off into policy specifics rather than responding to the issue at hand.

Beyond the Debate: Public Perception and Expectations

Public reception of the debate was mixed. Some felt that Trump met or exceeded expectations, while others believed he fell short. Similarly, opinions on Biden's performance varied. It was observed that Trump's performance resonated more with his base, while Biden's performance seemed to confuse some supporters. The immediate aftermath of the debate showed a shift in tone among Trump supporters, with many perceiving their candidate as having won. This was perhaps partly due to the entertainment value of Trump's responses and less about substantive policy discussions.

The Aftermath and Beyond

The debate's impact extended beyond the immediate impact. The Republican National Convention (RNC) became a platform for both Trump and Pence to rally their bases and present their policy proposals. The convention emphasized unity and the move towards a common goal of restoring the country. Trump and Pence's speeches sought to unite the country and present a narrative of moving forward together. Whether this narrative would resonate with the electorate remained to be seen, but the shift in rhetoric did mark a significant change from the previous administration.

The debate's aftermath also ignited discussions about the future of politics in the United States. As shown by the rhetoric and tone, there is a growing divide between the two parties. Campaign strategies moving forward may need to focus on bridging this divide rather than exacerbating it.

Conclusion

While it's easy to label one candidate as outsmarting another, the debate highlights the complex interplay between communication style, public perception, and strategic maneuvering. Whether Trump outsmarted Biden or not, the debate undeniably became a pivotal moment in the 2020 election race. The post-debate narratives and conventions underscored the need for a shift in rhetoric and a focus on unity and shared goals to move the country forward.