Thoughts on the Last Presidential Debate

Andrew Remmers

(junior, business finance and accounting)

Overall, the second debate was much smoother than the first presidential debate. I found the questions the moderator asked to be interesting and informative. I do wish both presidential candidates provided more specific answers to the questions rather than providing broad, political responses. When addressing healthcare and reactions to COVID-19 specifically, it was fascinating to see the drastic differences between Trump and Biden’s plans.

Gianna Bacchiocchi
(freshman, biology)

My overall impression of the last presidential debate is that it was thankfully more civil––as opposed to the last one, also with more direct, impactful questions being asked. I think it was definitely critical to hear both the candidates’ stances on policies such as the healthcare plan, which is a determining factor that will impact how individuals vote. I think that the most affecting moment of the debate was when Biden responded to Trump’s appalling child separation policy at our borders. His response was one that was definitely needed, and very much appreciated.

J. Curameng
(senior, biochemistry)

I think this debate was much more professional and civil than the one that occurred last month. Of the topics discussed, I found it interesting to hear what each candidate had to say in regards to the COVID-19 crisis.

Daniel Self
(senior, political science)

The issues being discussed at the debate were largely a rehashing of the candidate’s standard positions. It's a reminder of the poor state of American political discourse when candidates repeatedly bludgeon their opponent with their family’s illicit foreign connections or transactions. Likewise, watching Biden stumble over words or Trump reuse the same empty rhetoric from his 2016 campaign should make people seriously question the laws that dictate who can serve as President.

Ravi Swamidass
(senior, religion)

This debate was definitely more orderly this time around compared to the first one. I feel like both of them got the chance to say what they wanted to, thanks in-part to the amazing new moderator. The whole thing was still pretty comedic to me. The most interesting thing for me was when Kristen Welker asked Trump about racism and hate in America. Trump responded by saying that he is the “least racist person in this room.”

Javier Patterson
(senior, biology)

Overall, this presidential debate was much more tame and civilized than the one preceding it, but left little actual substance for the voters to digest. The debate went “he did wrong” followed by “no, he did wrong” on both sides. Trump bloviated on how well his administration was doing deflecting from key points whereas Biden chose to answer more head on. I think the most interesting point to me was the topic of what each candidate had done for/against the black community especially when Trump said he had done the most for the black community and “was the least racist person in that room.”

Steven Kevin Lall
(junior, biology)

I thought this last debate ran a lot smoother than the one before this one. It gave me a chance to understand each party better. It also gave me a chance to read each candidate's body language. I also think one of the most important points of the night for me was the talk on healthcare and how it could possibly be socialized. As someone going into the healthcare field, it’s important for me to know what’s going on in that area.

Ryan Injety
(junior, biology)

I think the discourse was much more civil this time, less interruptions. I wish more time was spent on Biden's proposed tax plans, which was a big development the previous week. I think the most interesting moment was when Biden said he plans to transition from the oil industry. This has big implications on the economy and climate change.