Agree - he said the same old tired script and was clearly a madman. No real answers, just went from one thing to another while blustering all over himself. Ready to move on and not see him on my tv anymore! Great analysis, Dave.
John, coherence has never been the issue. He’s always stated clearly what’s on his mind. It’s the substance of those coherent statements that should worry all Americans.
Most statements Trump spewed were laughable. I enjoyed this debate like no other! He was so unbelievable, it was incredulous to watch and hear him in real time. Obviously, I avoid hearing his voice to maintain my sanity, but WOW just WOW! And, Taylor Swift, the world’s most famous Childless Cat Lady, could not have timed her post any better. Kamala Harris is superior, in so many ways. You are right, Dave…..Trump was totally disrespectful, not only to our next Madame President, but to every woman in America and around the world.
I agree with every word you said, and hopefully those that say they are “undecided” now have a clear picture of their options. We know his base is a lost cause, swept in the undertow of a cult-like obsession, uninterested in the substance of his confusing ramblings.
How anyone can be undecided by this point is beyond me. Not sure many if those folks are paying attention or doing their reading required to be an informed citizen in a democracy.
I totally agree with you. Trump would be a disaster for our country. He interrupted the analysis's time after time. Thank you for your right on analysis.
If it was a prize fight they would have stopped it by TKO. The Washington Post had a group of 25 undecideds and 23 said Harris won. I doubt the other two were Rhodes Scholars. I think she just won the election.
It’ll be interesting to see the next Iowa Poll. Last one, Trump had an 18 point lead over Biden in Iowa. My guess is that shrinks but it’ll probably still be double digits. Sadly.
Watching the debate on CBS, I was disappointed that they said following the debate there would be fact checking. Even more disappointed in our local news channel, KCCI, and their use of Dennis Goldford of Drake University who merely said Harris supporters would agree with her and Trump supporters got what they expected, too. The Russian disinformation 'bots' spewing lies meant to discourage the Harris campaign-Venezuelan gangs taking over Aurora Colorado housing and expanding into Springfield, Ohio for instance, was never mentioned.
All they have left is racism and sexism. I don't think that will be enough. How can Iowans be so Trumpian. Was it the $70 billion he gave agribusiness after ruining trade with China? So, who do Iowans think will do our worst jobs it he deports our laborers. I just don't believe Iowans are that racist and sexist. Am I wrong? And our leadership--it seems they follow the Mega lead even when it is against their (our) interests. Who is running our Iowa "leaders?"
Oh yes. She kicked his butt! Been waiting for years to finally see someone put that pitiful excuse for a person in his place. Couldn’t be happier that it was a woman.
She pulled off what no other opponent has been able to do to Trump in his many debates. She calmly and methodically took him apart piece by piece. He had “concepts of a plan.” She had a plan and it worked.
Can’t wait for the next time he insults her by saying she’s not very smart.
She clearly won the debate but not the race. There's eight weeks to go and who knows what can happen between now and then that might impact the swing voters who will decide the election?
It's a scary time in America. 45% or so of voters strongly believe that Trump should be back in the Oval Office. Another 45% or so see him as a deranged dictator wannabee who is a clear and present danger. Neither group can understand the views or attitudes of the other.
The United States of America has never been less united.
Yes Indeed. Yet I continue to wonder about how the mushy and unpredictable swing voters see all this. It’s hard for most of us to believe that there remains a small yet significant block of voters who remain undecided. I wonder how many of them watched the debate??
For all the ranting trump did about immigration, he never answered why he told his toadies to reject the immigration bill. Think how many pets may have been spared!!!
Harris did not make a strong case for how well the economy is doing...inflation down, jobs created, stock market at all-time high.
And the moderators did a poor job of letting Trump talk over them while they were moving on to the next Q. The should have been "nasty" and cut his microphone.
Tim, you are correct. Neither Harris nor Trump gave us any specific policy details. Each stuck to their stump speeches. After 90 minutes, Americans know nothing more about these two than before the debate. Thanks for your post.
Steve, all due respect - you learned nothing more about Harris last night? No lingering doubt in your mind about her ability to remain calm and focused?
I’m not sure this is the venue to detail policy proposals.
Dave, with equal respect, her task was as I wrote above--to get under Trump's skin and rattle him. It didn't happen. And she skirted these questions: LINSEY DAVIS: Vice President Harris, in your last run for president you said you wanted to ban fracking. Now you don't. You wanted mandatory government buyback programs for assault weapons. Now your campaign says you don't. You supported decriminalizing border crossings. Now you're taking a harder line. I know you say that your values have not changed. So then why have so many of your policy positions changed? If the presidential debate is not the proper venue to explain in detail what your policies are and how you are going to implement them, then what is the proper venue. I'm voting for neither one in November so I don't need to write more.
Steve: I encourage you, do not cop out. Every vote counts.
Please see my earlier comments about the alleged "flip-flops". Values are different in my opinion from policy positions. It seems to me that the values of Ms. Harris are that she cares for individuals and the compact/contract among and between individuals and their government. Policies need to change in light of new information and changing circumstances. I keep going back to the idea that if your policy changes, admit it, and go on. Too many folks in the political arena are too afraid (probably based upon what Washington-based consultants have told them) to say I was wrong when I took that position. Now, I am older and have a better understanding of the world around me and how it impacts my fellow citizens.
He couldn’t answer it because there IS no answer! She framed it perfectly - he’d rather run on a problem than fix a problem. No way out of that box for him.
I don’t know whether he “won.” I couldn’t watch it. He is a sick, pitiful, dreadful human being and she is presidential. Please don’t schedule any more “debates.”
Agree - he said the same old tired script and was clearly a madman. No real answers, just went from one thing to another while blustering all over himself. Ready to move on and not see him on my tv anymore! Great analysis, Dave.
Id like to get him off TV and out of my brain. He’s taken up way more bandwidth in our lives than he deserves.
Trump was more coherent than I expected, especially early in the debate. I suspect his supporters think he did a good job.
John, coherence has never been the issue. He’s always stated clearly what’s on his mind. It’s the substance of those coherent statements that should worry all Americans.
Hands down. Trump folded!
Most statements Trump spewed were laughable. I enjoyed this debate like no other! He was so unbelievable, it was incredulous to watch and hear him in real time. Obviously, I avoid hearing his voice to maintain my sanity, but WOW just WOW! And, Taylor Swift, the world’s most famous Childless Cat Lady, could not have timed her post any better. Kamala Harris is superior, in so many ways. You are right, Dave…..Trump was totally disrespectful, not only to our next Madame President, but to every woman in America and around the world.
I indeed laughed out loud several times. Well, more of a hoot of derision.
I agree with you. It was such a relief.
I agree with every word you said, and hopefully those that say they are “undecided” now have a clear picture of their options. We know his base is a lost cause, swept in the undertow of a cult-like obsession, uninterested in the substance of his confusing ramblings.
How anyone can be undecided by this point is beyond me. Not sure many if those folks are paying attention or doing their reading required to be an informed citizen in a democracy.
I totally agree with you. Trump would be a disaster for our country. He interrupted the analysis's time after time. Thank you for your right on analysis.
If it was a prize fight they would have stopped it by TKO. The Washington Post had a group of 25 undecideds and 23 said Harris won. I doubt the other two were Rhodes Scholars. I think she just won the election.
Good point on the TKO. Or maybe the mercy rule (little league baseball).
Spot on. Trump looked/sounded angry and old.
Things we learned from listening to the ramblings of DJT:
Don't take Tariffs 101 at Wharton.
Haitian immigrants enjoy puppy chow.
Nancy Pelosi and the DC Mayor are responsible for January 6.
Biden hates Harris.
Good grief, how can this guy continue to poll at 47 percent after last night?
That is the great mystery.
It’ll be interesting to see the next Iowa Poll. Last one, Trump had an 18 point lead over Biden in Iowa. My guess is that shrinks but it’ll probably still be double digits. Sadly.
Well, those poll results are what scares me.
Watching the debate on CBS, I was disappointed that they said following the debate there would be fact checking. Even more disappointed in our local news channel, KCCI, and their use of Dennis Goldford of Drake University who merely said Harris supporters would agree with her and Trump supporters got what they expected, too. The Russian disinformation 'bots' spewing lies meant to discourage the Harris campaign-Venezuelan gangs taking over Aurora Colorado housing and expanding into Springfield, Ohio for instance, was never mentioned.
All they have left is racism and sexism. I don't think that will be enough. How can Iowans be so Trumpian. Was it the $70 billion he gave agribusiness after ruining trade with China? So, who do Iowans think will do our worst jobs it he deports our laborers. I just don't believe Iowans are that racist and sexist. Am I wrong? And our leadership--it seems they follow the Mega lead even when it is against their (our) interests. Who is running our Iowa "leaders?"
Oh yes. She kicked his butt! Been waiting for years to finally see someone put that pitiful excuse for a person in his place. Couldn’t be happier that it was a woman.
She pulled off what no other opponent has been able to do to Trump in his many debates. She calmly and methodically took him apart piece by piece. He had “concepts of a plan.” She had a plan and it worked.
Can’t wait for the next time he insults her by saying she’s not very smart.
She clearly won the debate but not the race. There's eight weeks to go and who knows what can happen between now and then that might impact the swing voters who will decide the election?
It's a scary time in America. 45% or so of voters strongly believe that Trump should be back in the Oval Office. Another 45% or so see him as a deranged dictator wannabee who is a clear and present danger. Neither group can understand the views or attitudes of the other.
The United States of America has never been less united.
*Good job Dave. Appreciate your insights!
A dose of reality, John. Sad but true. Still a ways to go. But last night added to her momentum, right?
Yes Indeed. Yet I continue to wonder about how the mushy and unpredictable swing voters see all this. It’s hard for most of us to believe that there remains a small yet significant block of voters who remain undecided. I wonder how many of them watched the debate??
For all the ranting trump did about immigration, he never answered why he told his toadies to reject the immigration bill. Think how many pets may have been spared!!!
Harris did not make a strong case for how well the economy is doing...inflation down, jobs created, stock market at all-time high.
And the moderators did a poor job of letting Trump talk over them while they were moving on to the next Q. The should have been "nasty" and cut his microphone.
Tim, you are correct. Neither Harris nor Trump gave us any specific policy details. Each stuck to their stump speeches. After 90 minutes, Americans know nothing more about these two than before the debate. Thanks for your post.
Steve, all due respect - you learned nothing more about Harris last night? No lingering doubt in your mind about her ability to remain calm and focused?
I’m not sure this is the venue to detail policy proposals.
Dave, with equal respect, her task was as I wrote above--to get under Trump's skin and rattle him. It didn't happen. And she skirted these questions: LINSEY DAVIS: Vice President Harris, in your last run for president you said you wanted to ban fracking. Now you don't. You wanted mandatory government buyback programs for assault weapons. Now your campaign says you don't. You supported decriminalizing border crossings. Now you're taking a harder line. I know you say that your values have not changed. So then why have so many of your policy positions changed? If the presidential debate is not the proper venue to explain in detail what your policies are and how you are going to implement them, then what is the proper venue. I'm voting for neither one in November so I don't need to write more.
Steve: I encourage you, do not cop out. Every vote counts.
Please see my earlier comments about the alleged "flip-flops". Values are different in my opinion from policy positions. It seems to me that the values of Ms. Harris are that she cares for individuals and the compact/contract among and between individuals and their government. Policies need to change in light of new information and changing circumstances. I keep going back to the idea that if your policy changes, admit it, and go on. Too many folks in the political arena are too afraid (probably based upon what Washington-based consultants have told them) to say I was wrong when I took that position. Now, I am older and have a better understanding of the world around me and how it impacts my fellow citizens.
Yes, definitely calm and focused. But, sincerely, that was not news to me.
He couldn’t answer it because there IS no answer! She framed it perfectly - he’d rather run on a problem than fix a problem. No way out of that box for him.
I don’t know whether he “won.” I couldn’t watch it. He is a sick, pitiful, dreadful human being and she is presidential. Please don’t schedule any more “debates.”
Anne, I understand. But you missed a significant campaign event.