First 2020 Presidential Debate: WTF Was That?

I am still trying to wrap my American brain around whatever happened last night in the context of the nationally-humiliating circus sadly billed as the first Presidential debate of 2020.

CNN’s Jake Tapper, appearing shaken, aghast even, summed it up immediately after the shameful spectacle ended: "That was a hot mess, inside a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck."

I am embarrassed, even ashamed, for my country, for our people. I am incensed. I am worried, indeed, frightened, for my family and loved ones, for our increasingly-fragile Republic.

I’ll admit to having been unnerved in the early moments of what became a verbal schoolyard mud-fight when Biden declared “I am the Democratic Party.” But that was a gaffe, not a hijacking.

And, as much as I believe a President deserves respect and ought not be called a “fool” or a “clown” or be told to “shut up,” honestly, how many of us watching weren’t thinking the same things?

All in all, I admired Biden’s dignity. It's astounding that he managed to retain his train of thought as Trump blustered, lied, attacked. Indeed, Biden demolished Trump’s spin that he is mentally failing.

Trump was vile. He spewed venom, lied, preened, interrupted, broke debate rules, whined, bullied, vomited insults, endorsed hate, legitimized terrorist supporters, incited violence.

He was disgraceful. He demeaned the Office.  He outlined no policies, no platform, no plans, no empathy for the plight of everyday Americans; sick, scared, unemployed, desperate.

Trump seems to have reconciled himself to not gaining a majority of voters. There was zero effort to reach beyond his base, rather, like a tinpot despot, he focused on further radicalizing them.

Indeed, he seems to have no intention of “winning” the vote. He knows he can’t. Rather, he aims to disrupt the election, contest the results, and let the newly-stacked Supreme Court bless his coup.

He displayed his full and gross narcissistic, heartless, deranged persona in rich plumage last night. Our 243-year-old Republic is at stake. Global stability is at stake. Please vote Biden.