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UNCLE WAYNE’S POST DEBATE THOUGHTS...

WAYNE JOHNSTON
October, 23, 2020

Ok the last debate in this interminable this USA Presidential election cycle is done. Of course, everyone is asking who won? Naturally the political spin doctors are weaving their various webs of obfuscation and deflection. (The former US Senator Rick Santorum, who seemed to have watched a debate in a different universe was working particularly hard on CNN.) But I suppose that the Republican spin specialists are breathing a sigh of relief. The Donald didn’t go his typical full-blown bat shit crazy, like in the last debate. That said, Trump’s bar was set pretty low. Ok he didn’t act too nutty but he basically said the same stuff as he does every day, just less angry and unhinged than the last debate or in some of his cult rallies. So, I guess he was better... However, his fib metre was through the roof. To quote one fact checker. “With Trump it’s like being Lucile Ball in the candy factory scenei”.

What lie to pick when there are so many? He didn’t offer any plans or policy. He did however leave no doubt in anyone’s mind he has no decency or empathy. That by the way, in Latin, means that he’s a horrible, soulless human being. His answer regarding the 500 plus children torn from their now lost parents was a lie, and jaw dropping. He said that the parents didn’t want them and then that, “They are so well cared for”. That certainly didn’t win him points with mother’s, fathers and grandparents or anyone with a sense of human compassion. His attacks on Biden’s family may have made his base happy, but it didn’t win any points with the few undecideds. Biden didn’t go down any rabbit holes and he basically ignored Trump’s slander. Smart move as it would have allowed Trump to pivot away from the important questions. Biden spoke directly to the people of the USA, in an understandable manner. Trump loves using political buzz and code words, rooted in conspiracy theories and the Fox gang of obsequious cheer leader that most folks don’t understand.

No one scored any knock out punches. The few undecideds (polls suggest about 5% of voters) really need to decide soon. I don’t see Trump picking up many of those however. Undecideds tend to watch, and pay more attention, to post debate commentary which of course had to notice his many lies (though Biden had a few also). I can’t see many buying into Trump’s malarkey. So, who did win? Even if it was a tie, Biden still won. When you’re the odds-on favourite, a tie is a win. Trump desperately needed to hit it out of the park tonight. But I don’t think he even scored a run. Sure, he did better and seemed to have listened to his people/handlers for once. But most normal, non cult followers can see through his toned-down act of see, the “I can be ‘normalish’” act. The Kool Ade drinkers would swallow it but, in the end, however the same old Trump talking points and personal attacks from the last debate, only less angry were on offer. That doesn’t constitute a win.

For God’s sake America, keep up the good work by your amazing voter turnout. Take nothing for granted, Trump needs to be decisively defeated. The best-case scenario Biden is ahead the evening of 3 Nov. So, in your own interests, get out and vote. I agree with many of the pundits that the outcome of this election will be a turning point for America. Will America rebuild and once again be a beacon to the world. Or will it continue into the abyss under Trump.

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i Folks of a certain age will immediately understand my reference but for those youngish folks, Lucile Ball, who could excel at wacko slapstick humour had a much watched tv show in the 1950,s, into the 60’s




 

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