The 2020 Trump vs. Biden Presidential Debate: A Model of Debate Mishandling

If you were to teach a high school or college debate course, what would you tell your students about the 2020 Trump vs. Biden Presidential Debate? Would it be a showcase of exemplary debate skills, or a critical example of what not to do in the realm of public discourse?

Debate Etiquette and Its Absence

One perspective might suggest that the debate serves as a prime example of how not to behave during a real debate. As a presidential debate, it exposed the flaws in both candidates' approach and the essential elements of debate etiquette and effective communication.

Presidential Debate Etiquette: A Case Study

I have taught high school debate, and during that experience, I often emphasized the importance of moderation. In the 2020 debate, we saw an extreme example of what can occur when the debate is unmoderated. The candidate's outbursts and the failure to control the conversation were evident, leading to a chaotic and disagreeable dialogue.

Reflection and Analysis

During my hypothetical debate course teaching scenario, I would first ask for the students' impressions and why they felt a certain way about the debate. This approach encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. Instead of imparting my own viewpoints, I would guide them to research the background of both candidates, including their personal histories, policies, and public stances. Only after these preliminaries would I facilitate a discussion where students could ask questions and share their thoughts.

Conclusion: An Abject Train Wreck

To put it succinctly, this debate speech course and debate teams in high schools and colleges would be disappointed. The 2020 debate was an abject train wreck, and both candidates received a solid F for their efforts.

The Failure of the Debate Format

Furthermore, it would be important to highlight the failings of the debate format itself. Many argue that the current format is not a true debate. Instead, it resembles an entertainment event, largely controlled and shaped by celebrity talking heads. The structure of the debate, with its time constraints, disconnected questions, and lack of provision for follow-up rebuttal, fails to provide a meaningful and effective exchange of ideas.

It is clear that those running the Presidential Debate Commission lack an understanding of what constitutes a meaningful debate. The current format does little to foster genuine dialogue and understanding, focusing instead on headline-grabbing sensations and polarizing rhetoric.

Conclusion, the 2020 Trump vs. Biden debate serves as a critical example of the need for better debate etiquette, a structured format, and a conducive environment for honest and constructive discourse.