Biden survives, but does not inspire

Before analyzing the debate, let’s remember that moderator Dana Bash described the first debate four years ago as a “shit show,” while Philly-born moderator Jake Tapper called it “horrific,” and later drew parallels between Donald J. Trump and Adolf Hitler.

And yet, Trump accepted CNN’s offer to host the debate, with Bash and Tapper as prosecutors moderators. So he really has no grounds to complain, and he didn’t. 

Each man entered from opposing sides and did not shake hands before the debate. Nor at the end.

Those expecting  a July 4th fireworks display had to be disappointed by last night’s wimpy pyrotechnics during the nation’s first prez-on-prez debate.

There were a few Roman candles, but no star shell bursts.

In the run-up to the debate, the MAGA heads — led by Trump himself — talked about Joe Biden being “jacked up” with “A shot in the ass.” The wild speculation sometimes talked about B-12, or even adderall, which enhances mental acuity.

Me, I figure Trump’s inner circle got him to gobble Xanax, because he was very restrained, for him, as he boasted about his record.

In Trump’s remarks, all roads led to illegal immigration. Questions about crime, Social Security, unemployment, drug addiction, all led to illegal immigrants.

Others will fact check everything, but I will focus on a couple of things.

Joe Biden reiterated the falsehood that Trump said there were “Fine people on both sides” at Charlottesville. He did say it, but not about the neo Nazis. He was referring to the debate over the removal of Confederate statues.

As for Trump, he is unhinged if he believes, as he said about abortion, that   “Everybody wants it back with states,” including “All legal scholars.”

Ridiculous.

It took Biden about 43 minutes to call Trump a “convicted felon.”

Naturally, Trump called Hunter Biden a convicted felon.

Biden said Trump “has the morals of an alley cat.”

Trump said Biden was the worst president in history.

Speaking for most of the 90-minute debate in a low-energy, whispery, raspy voice, Biden gained energy in the last 15 minutes of the debate.

He had one unfortunate stumble when he said `”We finally beat Medicare.”

Trump kept his temper in check, and hardly interrupted, but also often evaded direct answers unless pushed. 

Having mics turned off when a candidate  was not replying to a question seemed to have worked, for the most part. Having no audience meant no interruptions with laughter or applause.

On the plus side, Biden survived 90 minutes on his feet, and showed depth of understanding.

On the negative side, from the moment he shuffled out to the podium, he did not project an image of strength.

While Trump was evasive and somewhat nasty, he actually appeared presidential in his presentation.

That’s my say. Now, you have yours.