The presidential debate June 27 presented a clearer picture of what both candidates have in mind for policies in the United States. A general concluding theme is President Joe Biden is mentally compromised, while former President Donald Trump arguably performed one of his best presidential debates. People from both parties realize Biden doesn’t have the strength to continue the most demanding job in the country.
Whether you disagree with Trump, fail to recognize him as a candidate or have a general distaste for him, you must concede he presented a calm, professional demeanor to the debate. Moreover, I sensed a genuine interest in solving present issues for a better future. Trump expresses clear and simple yearning and nostalgia for his previous presidential role. After a petty exchange on who’s a better golf player, Trump simply told Biden, “Let’s not act like children.” He is serious about the issues in the U.S., and we should look at past presidents as a core indicator of his present character.
As a college student watching this debate, I am more confident in Trump’s ability to lower the inflation rate, stabilize tense clashes with foreign powers, produce more jobs in the United States and show consideration for every socio-economic class. Not only can I reference his track record as president, but his carefully chosen answers to the moderator’s questions showed high intelligence and applied experience from his last presidential term.
Biden, on the other hand, decided to attack Trump through questionable misquotes; he falsely claimed the U.S. Border Patrol endorsed him as president, in addition to claiming zero troops had died under his term.
During the debate, I could not ignore the tactic Biden would constantly return to while answering the moderator's questions regarding the negative status America is currently suffering from.
These topics would range from gas prices, the COVID pandemic, inflation increasing to 20% since 2020, constant failure to foreign relations with powerful countries such as Russia, China, and Iran and border crisis issues. Casualties such as the Afghanistan war, where American troops died, certain miscalls during the COVID-19 pandemic and border crisis issues had risen under Biden’s Administration and required more focus on elaboration on these crucial events.
Most of his answers involved blaming the Trump administration for putting his administration in a bottomless pit of issues. Biden should have directly explained the tragic events in his presidency instead of attributing blame to someone else. A leader should take accountability for the negative outcomes of his term.
Trump had cleverly rebutted his arguments by giving subtle insights into Biden’s mistakes where he had done differently in his position. For example, Trump had an increase in departures compared to President Biden’s administration.
Florida used to be known as a swing state. Since COVID-19, our reactions compared to most states have bolstered the Republican Party presence here. Gov. Ron Desantis did an excellent job as governor and garnered enough support to run a presidential election. I am certain Florida will turn red Nov. 4 and continue with Florida residents' increasing support for the party. We are currently the 2nd ‘best’ state for tax burden; Florida is famously known for not having an income tax. These values align very much with Trump's tax pushback plans to refuel the economy with tax breaks.
Trump is not the perfect candidate, but I acknowledge his growth as a politician. He shows remorse for his past slander and engages in more respectful dialogue. Overall, he shows great strength for his age, and I rely on his competency for the future presidential term.
Abraham Hilu is a UF political science senior.
