The Value of Modern Presidential Debates

Over 73 million people tuned in to the first Presidential Debate, and were witness to the most chaotic, circus-like representation of American politics. Just weeks away from the Presidential Election, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden put on a spectacle that may go down as the most bizarre debate in modern history.

The constant interruptions, personal jabs, and snarky remarks were an embarrassing 90 minutes to watch. This debate brought on new levels of unprofessionalism never seen before in an American Presidential Race. This brings into question the structure of future debates.

Although the first debate was a shocking portrayal of our presidential candidates, it provided a space where both parties were given an opportunity to show their true, unscripted values as well as how they conduct themselves under pressure. Viewers had an opportunity to compare both presidential candidates side by side. It gave us a glimpse of how the next four years living in America might look.

2020’s first presidential debate included an onslaught of unprofessional behavior that resorted to interruptions, misinformation, and dismissive language to name a few. Trump interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace at least 128 times and Biden interrupted Trump about 12 times. Wallace asked Trump a total of 25 times to “please stop interrupting.”

Trump’s track record of lying did not skip out on the night. When Wallace asked President Donald Trump if he would denounce white supremacy, he responded, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by, but I'll tell you what, somebody's got to do something about antifa and the left." He later retracted that statement, stating he did not know who the Proud Boys were. Ironic considering Florida director of Latinos for Trump is the chairman of the Proud Boys.

Audiences also got to hear language previously unheard during a presidential debate. This included Biden telling Trump “Will you shut up, man?” And then a few moments later, “keep yapping man.”

Trump also went after Hunter Biden, incorrectly stating he was dishonorably discharged from the Navy for drug use. Biden responded, "My son, like a lot of people, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem. He's overtaken it. He's fixed it." Moments like these are reflective of the influence debates have on people. With over 21 million Americans battling addiction and only 10% seeking help, hearing this from presidential candidates creates dialogue on the stigma of drug addiction, and more importantly, how candidates acknowledge such an impactful issue.

So, given all the madness that was the first debate, is it worth watching? Absolutely. There is an impending need for improvement, some of which has already been put into work by organizers. Future debates will include muting the mic if the candidates interrupt each other.

Let’s not all forget the mutual anxiety our nation felt watching the first presidential debate. I think we must talk about the triggers many viewers experienced. Anyone who has experienced verbal, physical, or sexual abuse had to be at some level triggered by the bullying and misinformation on that stage.

As individuals it’s important to acknowledge these sparks of anxiety, and we must all find a way, pre and post-debate, to take care of our mental and physical well-being. Being united in witnessing these debates and collectively experiencing this unparalleled moment in time solidifies the need to watch them. They are imperative in creating informed decisions, and further emphasize the importance of voting.

As both a first-generation Hispanic woman and a Registered Nurse working through a pandemic, who is experiencing the current attacks on science, evidence-based care, and ethics has given me a unique perspective on the presidential debates. As a medical professional, I’ve developed a heightened ear toward tuning out the chaos and into the current state of our nation. I invite everyone to be part of the discussion.

The importance of this election cannot be overstated. The need to be informed, involved, and brave are all tools we must use during the final stretch of this presidential election. This is not the time to be silent. We may very well be at the brink of fascism. We must all rise to the moment with eyes wide open. That's why it is important to watch the debates, be prepared to be triggered, stay informed, and use your vote wisely.