Video: Dispatch Live Post-Debate Edition
The Dispatch team reacts to the first of three presidential debates.
This edition of Dispatch Live featuring Sarah, Jonah, Steve and David providing context and analysis after the first presidential debate was recorded September 29, 2020.
I respectfully disagree with the dispatch crew about subsequent debates. At this point I think everyone has seen all they need to see from these candidates and no longer need more presidential debates. We can keep the VP debate but I have zero interest in watching any more of this and I think the 70% of Americans would agree.
I, along with many Americans, wanted to see if Biden was senile(even though we just saw him in the primaries looking fine). He wasn’t. Trump was his usual self. Nothing will change over the next two debates. Hard pass.
It is a profound mystery to me how anyone in this country could have watched the debate last night and not blanched at the realization that this was the President of the United States... "this infinite and endless liar" and "owner of no one good quality". Yet CNN's post-debate poll said 6 in 10 thought Biden won the debate and I can't imagine how what the other 4 in 10 imagine happened last night. The Chicago Tribune called it a "depravity" and that's probably an understatement. This isn't how it's supposed to be; this isn't what a President is; it can't last.
I'm reminded of Indi Samarajiva recent reflection on the Sri Lankan civil war and how familiar it now feels;
"America has already collapsed. What you’re feeling is exactly how it feels. It’s Saturday and you’re thinking about food while the world is on fire. This is normal. This is life during collapse.
Collapse does not mean you’re personally dying right now. It means y’all are dying right now."