Trump vs. Biden in the first presidential debate: Where do we stand?

President Trump and Vice President Biden went head to head for the first presidential debate September 29.

The debate was chaotic for both candidates. They were asked their opinion regarding six topics, and the room remained heated throughout the entirety of the night. 

Both President Trump and Vice President Biden did their best to get their point across regarding the issues of the coronavirus, the Supreme Court, the economy and much more. The two have many differing viewpoints resulting in an abundance of interruptions.

Thoughts regarding this first debate had similar viewpoints.

“My first thought of this debate was that I don’t think either of these men deserve to be a President of the United States because they both lack class, honor, and responsibility,” said political science major Quinn Weikel. 

Weikel found it aggravating that both candidates used untrue facts to their advantages when they both are counting on the votes of uninformed voters.

Teachers and professors were also surprised at the lack of control this debate displayed.

“I was disappointed in both candidates for their inability to control hostile temperaments,” said high school teacher Chase Bauer. 

Bauer had high hopes that the debate would display maturity, leadership and decorum. After watching, she believes it was like “watching two toddlers bicker over a cookie.”

Not only was this debate out of control, but it was nothing like debates we’ve seen in the past.

“This debate was different because of the hostility,” Bauer said. “Neither candidate was able to keep composure.”

Past debates showed candidates keeping a controlled tone even if one was off a bit. According to Bauer, “this one was just out of control.” 

The debate showcased how Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden feel about each other.

“I thought this debate was different from the past because there was an unusual amount of interruptions and insults thrown at each candidate,” said education major Skyler Hensley.

Journalism major Jaycie Kemp found that President Trump attempted to control the entire event.

“The President stands firm on his beliefs and believes that everything he says is final. I think this debate was different because more people tuned in. They wonder what is going to happen next in our country,” Kemp said. 

“There are high emotions this year because of COVID, and the Black Lives Matter movements. Everyone wants to know when there will be a change,” she said. 

Many people agreed that they want things in the second debate to go much differently. People want there to be fewer interruptions and more discussion.

“I would like them to allow more uninterrupted time for the candidates to speak,” Hensley said.

Weikel believes the attention should focus on issues that voters want to hear.

“I think they should be able to give a closing statement,” Weikel said. “I would like to see more discussion about foreign policy and non-domestic issues and threats that our country is currently facing.”

Bauer hopes to see the moderator take more control over the candidates and to see fewer insults.

“Guidelines need to be enforced. It would be nice if the candidates could be civil and speak about issues that are important to voters,” she said. 

The final presidential debate will take place Thursday, October 22, at 8 p.m. at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.