First Presidential Debate: the rundown

The first US presidential debate was held on Tuesday 29th September, and frankly, it resembled more of a high school argument than any form of debate. Insults and interrogations were thrown across the floor from both candidates and ugly tussles broke out over the three main topics that continue to dominate the political narrative: the covid pandemic, healthcare, and the economy.

Other topics such as the Supreme Court, the candidate’s records, climate change and the integrity of the election were also addressed and again were the catalysts for more heated exchanges. ​

The ‘debate’ was chaotic, rules were brutally ignored, and both were guilty of obstructive heckling.

The day of reckoning for both candidates is fast approaching. And for those of you who are unsure of what their stances are in relation to the topics defining the race to the White House here is a quick rundown… ​ ​

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Their stances

Trump	Biden
Mask Policy: Trump has sent many mixed messages regarding the use of masks. His family has been seen not wearing a mask multiple times during rallies and the debate itself.	Biden belies that there should be a national mandate to wear a mask: "It is a patriotic duty."
​Corona Virus Vaccine: Trump has set up an operation called "Operation Warp Speed" to produce a vaccine by the year's end.	​Biden's plan is to increase large scale manufacturing of vaccine candidates as much as possible, while restoring the US' relationship with the World Health Organization.
Climate Change: Trump is openly mocking Biden's Green New Deal. He has also pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, expressing his doubts about the science behind climate change. Furthermore, Trump has promised to create 400,000 new jobs-- in the fossil fuel industry.	Biden on the other hand, proposes a carbon tax, while calling for a $1.7 trillion investment in clean energy over the next 10 years. This will enable the US to end new oil and gas leases on federal land, while ending offshore drilling.
Abortions:  Trump wants to appoint Amy Coney Barett, a conservative legal scholar, for a seat on the US Supreme Court (replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg). This will result in a conservative court.	Biden supported an amendment called "Hyde", which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions. He has now gone back on his words, believing that the right to a funded abortion should not depend on a person's zip code.
Healthcare:  ​During Trump's presidency, the FDA has approved the largest amount of generic drugs in history. These generic drugs improve competition in the market place, decreasing the cost of prescription drugs. Trump decried Medicare for All.	Biden supports decreasing drug prices, while importing cheaper drugs form overseas. Additionally, Biden believes that Obamacare should be restored for all.
Gun Reform:  Trump has treated to abolish the universal background checks bill the House passed in 2019. He has also expressed support for red-flag laws, but believes that closing the "boyfriend loophole" is "too political." The "boyfriend loophole" is where convicted domestic abusers are banned from buying guns, including partners.	Biden supports universal background checks and the red flag law. A red flag law is a weapons safety law that allows police or relatives to petition a state court to the temporary removal of firearms from a person who presents a danger to others or themselves. Moreover, he believes in closing the "boyfriend loophole".

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