Did Thursday’s debate change voters’ minds about who should be president? Did it sway the undecided? Times Opinion asked our columnists and contributors to weigh in on who won and lost last night, and we’ve asked our readers to do the same.
“If the purpose was to talk policy and answer the moderators’ questions, Biden won. If the goal was to show vigor, energy and the ability to finish the term, then Trump won,” wrote Travis Brodbeck, a reader in Scotia, N.Y. “But America lost in this debate.”
While many conceded that Donald Trump came out on top and thought it was time for President Biden to bow out, some said there was no real winner and questioned how we wound up with the choices before us in this election.
“Is this seriously the best we have? A convicted felon and an old guy who has a bad cold and looks exhausted?” asked Danielle Aiko Werts of Socorro, N.M. “Who let this go forward? They should have postponed this mess.”
More analysis from our readers follows. Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Who won and why
Mike Fietz, Charlottesville, Va.: Trump won the debate. Not on the merits, since everything he says is a nonsensical lie, but by TKO while his opponent was tangled in the ropes. There is a very small chance that America won this debate if Democrats band together in its wake and get Joe Biden off the ticket. I’m not sure how likely that is to happen, but it’s the only way that anything good comes out of this depressing night.
Leland Burke, Tiverton, R.I.: Trump won. Mostly because Biden lost. This is a sad and frightening day for our future. There is no do over, Joe. Walk away with dignity, while you still can. Do the right thing.
Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Auburn, Maine: Biden won. Is he too old? Yes. Does he have a future as a TV talking head? No chance. But most voters don’t decide based on who speaks louder; they decide on a handful of salient issues. Since the American people threw Donald Trump out of office in 2020, his position has deteriorated on two key topics: abortion, and democracy. Nothing he said Thursday night will convince swing voters that they can trust him on either one.
Caroline Lapan, Baltimore: Neither of them won. Trump lied and denied. Biden stumbled and seemed lost and inarticulate. A candidate has to be able to communicate, regardless of his record; Thursday night Biden was a poor communicator. I would never vote for Trump, and Biden was never my candidate of choice. Surely, we deserve better options.
John Fairless, Gainesville, Fla.: A miserable draw. President Biden couldn’t find his groove and former President Trump couldn’t find the truth.
Most pivotal moment
Susan Langan, Winnetka, Ill.: The battle of egos about golf. As a woman, that moment reminded me of my deep sadness over the loss of Hillary Clinton.
Yadin Eldar, Bethesda, Md.: For me, seeing Trump storming off the stage right after the debate ended, while Joe and Jill Biden went down to shake the moderators’ hands and thank them for their time, showed me the true character of both. Biden, even after a poor performance, acted as a gentleman, while Trump was focused only on going backstage to run down to his advisers and have a victory lap.
Sam Bass, Atlanta: When Trump called Biden “Brandon” it was a high-pitched dog whistle to Republicans and online Democrats. Trump has a campaign, with slogans and code words. Biden relied on data. Data will not win this election.
Jacob Pylypciw, Rochester, N.Y.: Biden missed a huge opportunity to go on the offensive when Trump was talking about “Black jobs” and “Hispanic jobs” — according to Trump, these were the same jobs being taken by immigrant criminals and mental patients — but Biden missed it.
Tiffany Joy Butler, Queens, N.Y.: The contrast between Biden and Trump’s response to Gaza. Biden has a proposed agreement between Israel and Hamas and there is potential for a cease-fire. Trump didn’t seem to care about the lives of Palestinians.
Something small but revealing …
Ario Rostami, Fairfield, Calif.: Trump dodging the question on climate and then giving a short response claiming that when he was president “We had H₂O.” It’s just so goofy but was overshadowed by Biden’s dismal performance.
Emma Hamilton, Waynesville, N.C.: When asked about the drug abuse issue in our country, Biden cited a very specific course of action and distinct needs to solve the problem — more machines that detect fentanyl. During his closing argument, he used that time to get specific again about taxes and tariff policies. For all the criticism about his cognitive decline, he has sharp ideas about what exactly needs to be done to solve some of our most pressing issues.
Cristina Garcia, San Antonio: Trump stating that the people coming from the border are raping and killing our women was very eye-opening for me. I’m appalled at how openly racist he is comfortable with being.
Janney Carter, Vinton, Va.: I had started thinking maybe I will vote for Trump because gas, groceries, etc. were cheaper under him. And it’s really getting tight with our money! And the wars probably wouldn’t have happened had Trump been in charge. But tonight reminded me why I did not vote for him. He takes no responsibility for Jan. 6, and he completely ignored the question about child care, in the way he just talks about whatever he wants to talk about instead of answering questions. Maybe I’ll look into Kennedy.
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