289 Comments

Thanks Judd for all that you do to hold the powerful accountable! You're making a difference.

Being in Europe I also didn't watch the debate live, though I've seen some video. It's very clear what others have echoed that Trump has no business being within a mile of the Oval Office. I too watched some of it with sound off, and just from the body language it's pretty obvious that Trump was defensive and enraged; but underneath he's terrified - his entire constructed reality is falling apart, and unlike the other times there may be no way to fix it. He must know that it he doesn't win the election he may well die in prison, and his likely actions after November 3rd should terrify everyone who loves America and the ideals of democracy it used to represent.

I also see an electorate, even an entire country who is acting like an abused spouse, showing clear signs of PTSD and flinching under the terror of living with a powerful narcissistic tyrant. Yes, we must vote, but more than that - we must all free ourselves from the shadow of Trump and the GOP who supported him, and heal from all the wounds they inflicted on our collective sanity. A good first step would be a Biden administration passing laws to put in place checks and balances with real enforcement mechanisms and prevent some of Trump's (and the GOP's) worst excesses. A national voter rights law would be a good start. Perhaps Judd as we approach the election you could look into some of the voting rights abuses and corporate support of some of the shady groups (and their financial supporters) looking to interfere with the election?

Finally, I will say that my European friends and family are watching all this with a mixture of horror and sorrow. It's impossible to underestimate the effect that US politics has on people here - many are better informed that the average US voter! It's like seeing someone you love in a downward spiral of substance abuse, wanting to help but knowing they must hit rock bottom before they will accept it. In Europe memories are still strong of the dangers of fascism, dictators and world wars. Few here want to risk repeating any of them, so they have a vested interest in the fall of Trumpism, and all that it represents.

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I could only stand to watch 5 minutes of last night’s debate. First, Trump’s voice, diction, tone, vocabulary bothers me so much, that my visceral reaction is “shut up!” Second, his behavior is like that of an unruly child yet I want to go one step further and say he is the rudest human being alive. “Unruly children” you can at least understand that the either don’t know better or they are still learning. He’s in his 70’s and constantly interrupts, talks over and taunts just about anyone he speaks to. This is not someone I would ever want to have a personal relationship with and he sure as heck doesnt deserve the presidency a 2nd time around (he didn’t deserve the first to begin with). Vote. Him. Out.

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I cheered when Biden told Trump to shut up. Chris Wallace did a fair job trying to rein Trump in, but it was like trying to get a toddler to sit quietly when he missed his nap. I wished that Wallace had an air horn he could blow every time Trump talked over Biden.

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I really appreciate all you do, especially your work on Facebook, Ben Shapiro, etc. What can we learn about the dark money behind Amy Coney Barrrett? Any chance of finding out more about the support for Kavenaugh, who paid off his debts, etc?

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After last night, I can't believe anybody in their right mind would vote for Trump. He acted crazy, literally. He couldn't hide his ignorance and he sure didn't hide his racism. I think our country needs to rethink the idea that anybody can be President. We need stipulations to go along with that idea, such as a background check, drug test, a mental health assessment, and have some experience.

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Please focus on Trump's ominous "stand by" order.

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This is long but well worth the time to read!!

If we accept the premise, as it seems to me we must, that there is no way to stop Republicans from confirming Amy Coney Barrett before next Inauguration Day,the following analysis and advice seem like a great approach to the confirmation hearings to me:

(Attributed to Bill Svelmoe, associate professor of history at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame. And an author, etc. )

“A few thoughts on Amy Coney Barrett, our new Supreme Court justice.

- As noted above, she's a done deal. So Democrats should not waste time trying to besmirch her character, focusing on her religion, trying to box her into a corner on how she will vote on hypothetical cases.

The People of Praise is not a cult. I've had half a dozen of their kids in my classes, including some men who heard about me from their female friends. Almost without fail, these have been among the best students I've ever had. Extremely bright. Careful critical thinkers. Wonderful writers. I loved having them in class. So don't go after the People of Praise.

By all accounts Barrett walks on water. I've had that in a roundabout way from people I know at Notre Dame, including from folks as liberal as me, who actually look forward to seeing her on the court. I have no first hand knowledge of her, but take the above for what you will.

So Democrats should not take a typical approach with her.

- Stay focused on the election. If the election were tomorrow, Biden wins comfortably, and the Democrats likely take the Senate as well. The latest polls were taken after RBG's death. No gain for Trump. In fact the majority of Americans think the Supreme Court seat should not be filled until after the election. Watching Republicans ram Barrett through helps Democrats. So don't mess with her. Let Republicans do what they're going to do. As a great man once said, It is what it is.

If the Democrats take the presidency and the Senate, none of this matters much. A Democratic administration will not let a conservative court mess with Democratic priorities. Lots of avenues, including adding justices, passing a law that no act of Congress can be overturned by the Court except by a seven vote majority, etc. So keep the focus where it matters. On November 3.

So how should Democrats approach these hearings? I've seen one good suggestion today. Turn all their time over to Kamala Harris. I like that one.

Here's a few more suggestions.

- Don't show up for the hearings. There is no reason to dignify this raw exercise in political hypocrisy. Don't legitimize the theft of a Supreme Court seat with your presence. This also shows Barrett that the nation knows she is letting herself become a pawn in Trump's game. That in itself says something about character.

- Schedule high interest alternate programming directly opposite the hearings. Bring together all 26 of the women who have accused Trump of sexual assault. Let them tell their stories on air. Or interview liberal justices that Biden will add to the court next year. Hearings with only Republicans extolling Barrett's virtues will get low ratings. It shouldn't be hard to come up with something people would rather watch. Hell, replay the Kavanaugh hearings! Bring in Matt Damon to reprise his role on SNL! I'd watch that! How about a show "Beers with Squee"?!

- If Democrats do attend the hearings, they should not focus on Barrett's views on any future cases. She'll just dodge those questions anyway. They're hypothetical. She should dodge them. Don't even mention her religion.

Instead Democrats should focus on the past four years of the Trump administration. This has been the most corrupt administration in American history. No need for hypotheticals. The questions are all right there.

Judge Barrett, would you please explain the emoluments clause in the Constitution. [She does.] Judge Barrett, if a president were to refuse to divest himself of his properties and, in fact, continue to steer millions of dollars of tax payer money to his properties, would this violate the emoluments clause?

Then simply go down the list of specific cases in which Trump and his family of grifters have used the presidency to enrich themselves. Ask her repeatedly if this violates the emoluments clause. Include of course using the American ambassador to Britain to try to get the British Open golf tournament at a Trump property. Judge Barrett, does this violate the emoluments clause?

Then turn to the Hatch Act.

Judge Barrett, would you please explain the Hatch Act to the American people. [She does.] Judge Barrett, did Kellyanne Conway violate the Hatch Act on these 60 occasions? [List them. Then after Barrett's response, and just fyi, the Office of the Special Council already convicted her, ask Barrett this.] When Kellyanne Conway, one of the president's top advisors openly mocked the Hatch Act after violating it over 60 times, should she have been removed from office?

Then turn to all the other violations of the Hatch Act during the Republican Convention. Get Barrett's opinion on those.

Then turn to Congressional Oversight.

Judge Barrett, would you please explain to the American people the duties of Congress, according to the Constitution, to oversee the executive branch. [She does so.] Judge Barrett, when the Trump administration refuses time and again [list them] to respond to a subpoena from Congress, is this an obstruction of the constitutional duty of Congress for oversight? Is this an obstruction of justice?

Then turn to Trump's impeachment.

Read the transcript of Trump's phone call. Judge Barrett, would you describe this as a "perfect phone call"? Is there anything about this call that troubles you, as a judge, or as an American?

Judge Barrett, would you please define for the American people the technical definition of collusion. [She does.] Then go through all of the contacts between the Trump administration and Russians during the election and get her opinion on whether these amount to collusion. Doesn't matter how she answers. It gets Trump's perfidy back in front of Americans right before the election.

Such questions could go on for days. Get her opinion on the evidence for election fraud. Go through all the Trump "laws" that have been thrown out by the courts. Ask her about the separation of children from their parents at the border. And on and on and on through the worst and most corrupt administration in our history. Don't forget to ask her opinion on the evidence presented by the 26 Trump accusers. Judge Barrett, do you think this is enough evidence of sexual assault to bring the perpetrator before a court of law? Do you think a sitting president should be able to postpone such cases until after his term? Judge Barrett, let's listen again, shall we, to Trump's "Access Hollywood" tape. I don't have a question. I just want to hear it again. Or maybe, as a woman, how do you feel listening to this recording? Let's listen to it again, shall we. Take your time.

Taking this approach does a number of things.

1. Even if Barrett bobs and weaves and dodges all of this, it reminds Americans right before the election of just how awful this administration has been.

2. None of these questions are hypothetical. They are all real documented incidents. The vast majority are pretty obvious examples of breaking one law or the other. If Barrett refuses to answer honestly, she demonstrates that she is willing to simply be another Trump toady. Any claims to high moral Christian character are shown to be as empty as the claims made by the 80% of white evangelicals who continue to support Trump.

3. If she answers honestly, as I rather suspect she would, then Americans get to watch Trump and his lawless administration convicted by Trump's own chosen justice.

Any of these outcomes would go much further toward delegitimizing the entire Republican project than if Democrats go down the typical road of asking hypothetical questions or trying to undermine her character.

Use her supposed good character and keen legal mind against the administration that has nominated her. Let her either convict Trump or embarrass herself by trying to weasel out of convicting Trump. Either way, it'll be great television ...”

Thanks for the post Christina Oliver

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Sep 30, 2020Liked by Judd Legum

Thank you Judd, for your journalism on current affairs and history as well. I watched the debate last night and cringed though I knew what to expect from Trump. It is embarrassing to think he is our POTUS, and the world thinks he represents us all, and even scarier, that he is popular with so many. If he does not lose the election, I hope the Senate is at least flipped.

My suggestion for the next debate is to have them in sound proof glass booths with the moderator controlling the microphones.

I would enjoy some uplifting stories of positive policing and how things might be changing for the better for some areas after George Floyd’s murder. It is hard to simply blame each officer when the training and history have as much to do with it than the officers themselves. Good command comes from the top and the focus of change has to start there.

I feel small amongst the country’s problems, but still feel timid about speaking up loudly. I need to do better; I need to find my voice, knowing sometimes I will be wrong. We need to allow people to be wrong yet still move forward and without slamming them into the ground. In our social media world, we forget to really listen. When we listen & respond to educate, we may change minds.

One reason for my reading the news rather than listening to the audio news, is that I get a complete story before I have to react. I jump to less conclusions and can digest the words.

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Sep 30, 2020Liked by Judd Legum

I, like many here, didn’t choose to watch. I’m not at all surprised to hear it was a train wreck.

As for future topics, I’d love if you shared more about the BLM protests, police brutality, police working with proud boys, etc. I’m seeing a lot of bits on Twitter, but I gather you may be able to share larger, more put-together-narratives on what’s going on in various cities.

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I’m interested to learn more about what the power of the moderator or others is to enforce the debate rules, e.g. can they turn the mic off when speaker is out of time/not their turn, has this been done before, what are alternatives when moderator fails to enforce? We know Trump will try to break all democratic rules but why we are failing to enforce them is just as worrisome.

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As Eric Boehlert said, 'You can't debate with a soiopath.' No need for further debates. No mas.

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I am a person who cannot even watch the news each night because it is so depressing and gives me no hope. I tuned into the debate last night "hoping" to gain some optimism from listening to Biden's plans for the future of our country and our democracy. But the Bully in Chief would not let him speak. As a middle school taecher and principal I recognized that behavior immediately and knew there was no hope that this debate would produce anything of value. Trump needed to have his mic turned off, minimally, during the 2 minutes that were supposed to be uninterrupted time for Biden to speak. The rules for the next two debates need to be revised to include a process for ending this behavior.

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As a high school social studies teacher, it only proves we need to put more money into civics education!

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Thank you for the hard and important work you are doing, Judd. What I would like to see more than anything is a full list of all of the lawsuits against and investigations into Trump. How many are there? Where have they originated? Are they public or private? How much of Congress’s time has been spent looking into his potential misdeeds?

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The moderator definitely needs an on/off switch on Trump's microphone.

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Last night’s spectacle was not a debate (a formal discussion on a particular policy in which opposing arguments are the subject of discourse) but instead a bludgeoning by the schoolyard bully who does not articulate any public policies to protect and defend the American people. This "performance" by a US president is more than embarrassing.

Vice-President Biden did an admirable job, especially when he turned to the camera and US.

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Trump made it clear last night, as he does in all matters, that rules are for suckers and losers. He agreed to rules for the debate then refused to follow them. He acted like an irrational belligerent child. People who still support Trump do so because he encourages everyone he comes in contact with to live by their worst and basest instincts. If you hate women or people of color or those who follow a religion you don’t understand, with Trump you’re no longer expected to hide it. No more political correctness! Isn’t that refreshing! And in the darker corners, those who thirst for violence were invited on national TV to step into the light. He’s amoral and utterly lawless, and our system wasn’t built to manage that. We should be focusing on containment and mitigation strategies regarding his lawbreaking around the election, not the debate.

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I cannot even begin to find words for last night. But one thing caught my ear that I think is worthy of further investigation. Over these past few years, it has become clear that Trump often communicates to his supporters in something akin to coded language. Last night, when the topic of racism (kind of) emerged, Trump, in reference to the Proud Boys, said they should, “stand back and stand by.” In light of a true likelihood that he will refuse to leave office, that sent up a red flag. Maybe you could keep your eyes and ears open for us?

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It was such a horrible and perfect metaphor for the state of U.S. politics: barely even pretending to follow long-established norms. As another friend said in his remarks online, clearly the message Trump took away from 2016 is that he was *too* civil. This is serving no one any benefit — on the contrary, it was an open call to violence from Trump's base. Which means these "debates" are now actively harmful and should be ceased.

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Sep 30, 2020Liked by Judd Legum

Thanks for the clarification, Judd. I'm 100% behind what you do and the quality of your work. Keep it up!

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Sep 30, 2020Liked by Judd Legum

Thank you, Judd. As a former broadcast journalist who had made a share of mistakes, I especially appreciate your transparency.

But on the subject of what we might want to have you cover over the next month...I have a feeling that will be answered for us and for you by the very nature of the corruption in our government.

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Hi Judd, Would love to hear more about poll watching and how to prevent it from being a complete deterrent to non-MAGA voters. The display in Philadelphia yesterday showed a complete disregard for rule by the “watchers” and outrage from the president when they were asked to follow the rules. Seems like this will be a much bigger problem than foreign interference.

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I want take this opportunity to share what I heard when trump told the PB to "Stand down and stand by," and followed with "But I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what. Somebody's got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not a right wing problem."

What I really heard, and all should realize the PB did as well, was: "Stand by BECAUSE somebody's got to do something about antifa..."

On national TV, he issued a call to arms to a violent, racist, misogynist group of "men"! He was inciting premeditated murder and the overthrow of our Constitution.

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As Americans, we should be ashamed of what we saw last night. And while I don't think Biden's performance was amazing, we should also resist the "both sides" arguments. That shitshow (as Dana Bash rightly called it) was clearly caused by Trump.

As we head toward an election that Trump is likely to lose, we know he plans to react by not conceding and encouraging violence from his supporters. I want to know what our society is going to do when this happens. Who are we supposed to trust will ensure that this lunatic leaves office? I know there is a lot of legal stuff happening around the actual vote, but assuming that the votes are counted and Biden wins, what are the other leaders in our country supposed to do/planning to do once Trump refuses to concede?

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Last night, Trump shamed the U.S. again on the world stage. Let's hope this is one of the last times. He also proved once again that he is an entitled, spoiled brat who cannot and will not follow any rules he officially agrees to - be it debates rules, laws, or the Constitution of the United States.

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It’s also worth watching a bit without the sound. Doing that, I saw a snide red-face; thought 45 was gonna stroke-out.

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I'd like to see you do a primer on Facism and how we have already gone over the threshold. I don't think enough people are talking about how 45 is taking the steps to fascism. Facts don't matter/lies are facts. The press is the enemy of the people. There is a deep state. Provoking white supremacists. Dog whistles. A middle class movement in response to an economic crisis. Questioning the validity of voting.

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I'm Irish but have been living in the US for four years. Last night was too much. If he wins again I'll be taking my family back home.

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WTF is going on with the census? Republicans outplayed the Dems at the state houses ahead of the 2010 census and got very favorable redistricting. Are they outplaying again or just incompetent?

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Last night's debate was the epitome of "Don't play chess with pigeons."

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Sep 30, 2020Liked by Judd Legum

Thanks Judd for the work you do. You daily column is the first thing I read every day,. It makes my world a saner place to live. As for the debate Trump behaved exactly like I expected to do. He"s a two year old in an adult body, I struggle badly how he has such a cult following. That situation sacred me more than anything. Until tomorrow....Thanks again !!!!!!!

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Judd - thank you for all that you do! Yours is a much needed voice in journalism.

I couldn't watch it....I had homework and to be honest, my mind is made up on who I am voting for, so the debates don't really matter to me. But I did go on Twitter to see what people were saying and I was horrified and not surprised at the same time.

Trump makes these a spectacle - live unscripted reality show. If there is another debate, I am wondering if Biden can turn towards the moderator and say that if they can't keep Trump quiet, then he will call off the debate. That's the only way, next to muting mics when the other person is talking, to shut Trump up and have an honest discussion about real issues.

I honestly hope there is not another debate. To quote Jake Tapper "Late night was a hot mess, inside a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck." The biggest loser last night was democracy.

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Thanks Judd, as always I like that your journalism is not only impactful, but making politicians, corporations, and people change amongst all their hypocrisy that you bring to the spotlight.

Last night's debate was a disaster. It said more that neither candidate was willing to say what they won't do.

Joe Biden would not say that he wouldn't pack the court, and Trump would not say he condemns white supremacist's. The difference is Trump seized the moment to call them out, with a wink and a nod and told them to "Stand By". That is now a mantra of the Trump supporters and they are running with it.

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I am a teacher who is trying to follow the science surrounding our current understanding of COVID. Our district officials seem obsessed with “deep cleaning” of surfaces, yet disregard that this appears to be an airborne virus. Our rooms have no windows and we teach in a 50+ year old building with already poor ventilation and airflow issues. When trying to find accurate COVID numbers in our community, they often come with an asterisk stating the numbers usually aren’t correct or are delayed. I guess I just want to know who I can trust to provide accurate information so I can care for myself and those I’m charged to teach and protect.

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I went and read a book during the second question when Trump wouldn't let Chris Wallace even get through his question. It didn't seem like things would get any better. Sounds like they didn't. My wife turned off the TV after another 30 minutes or so.

Are debates of any use? It seems like the sliver of the electorate who hasn't made up their minds by now have plenty of "data" with which to make a choice. Why even bother with them? Dancing With the Stars would have been better (and I don't like "reality" TV shows).

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Can't they just cut the mic of one when the other is talking? It was quite annoying. Knew trump was going to talk all over Biden. It's what he does on a daily basis with reporters. God, I just want the sociopath gone. He is so embarrassing.

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The second and third debates should be cancelled. If t/Rump smashed norms, we should smash’m back.

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No matter what the format, there should be no more debates. There should be external consequences for debasing the office of the presidency in the way Trump did last night.

As to topics this month, the most important question to be answered before the election, IMHO, is-- Who lent Trump the missing millions that show up in his tax information? I think we all know, and the evidence is out there, just waiting to be revealed...

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As an unaffiliated registered voter neither candidate was my first choice. But with that being said, one of my biggest concerns is the division and hatred that Trump uses to fire up his base. There's no doubt in my mind that Trump is the most divisive, and dangerous President in American history. His cult, and yes is most definitely a cult, worships him and will support him no matter what he does or says. Trump, and his #Cult45, are the most disturbing things I've seen come about in America in my lifetime. Hopefully he loses and his cult quietly disappears. But sadly with his 'stand by' crowd lurking everywhere, I truly fear that will not be the case.

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Trump was a disgrace. For the remaining debates, the moderator has to have a mute button; on when the other person has their allotted time and used by the moderator at other times when a candidate is speaking over/interrupting the other candidate or the moderator.

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First of all, nothing that Trump is involved in ever starts on time! I knew I wouldn't watch the whole thing, partly because 11 o'clock is too late for me, but mostly because I'm at the point where I simply cannot stand to hear the man speak. The sight of his orange mug and his $70,000 "hair style" makes me nauseous. His mendacity, rudeness, and cruelty were on full display. I approached my fill by 9:30, exhaled a mighty sigh of disgust, shut my computer down (I don't own a TV - it's a brain destroyer) and I went to bed! Disgusting display of sociopathic narcissism.

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Hi Judd, agreed last night was an absolute nightmare. Thanks for your wonderful work. I’d love if we could talk about refuting the lies Trump told last night and at future debates. I want to be able to one by one refute the lies he told. Biden could barely get a word in. And since we’re taking about accountability, I’d love to learn more about how we ensure a peaceful transfer of power and also about how we hold the corporations you write about to account. We have this information about how they’ve supported people like Trump, but what can we do about it?

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As a former college debater and communication prof I can definitely say that was NOT a debate. It was a school yard bully shouting tweets. Trump would have disqualified in any sane debate setting. Not sure I could have kept my cool as well as Biden. I see no reason for any more of this. Be interested in your take on the political wisdom of Biden just saying “Ridiculous, no more!” As to topics for the future. One of your insightful takes on climate change (the issue of our time despite pandemic), the roots of systemic racism in justice, education, health care or housing systems (take your pick), the impact of the loss of ACA, why health care is so much more expensive and mediocre in the US, the case for why Trump should be held accountable for much of the pandemic death, why a guaranteed living wage makes sense and whether it’s politically possible now given our lionizing of underpaid essential worker heroes. Keep up the good work exposing hypocrisy and dangerous behavior from Facebook to Kroger. Thank you.

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Biden was very effective when he spoke directly to us. He was not senile, sleepy, or incoherent. He made some powerful statements like "law and order and justice". Did he mispeak on some points? Yes, but so would I if had a rabid blowhard speaking over me the entire time. Given Trump's behavior, I think Biden did well to tune him out and speak to us.

On the other hand, Trump clearly showed who's the cause of current turmoil in the US. It's him. If you want 4 more years of the anger, shouting, disrespect, over-talking of opponents, vote for him. He can't even condemn white supremacy and he won;t commit to the election outcome and a peaceful transition of power. If anything is more unAmerican than that, I don't know what is.

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I happened to read this searing essay on Medium yesterday, before the debate. It resonates even more this morning. https://gen.medium.com/i-lived-through-collapse-america-is-already-there-ba1e4b54c5fc

"America has fallen. You need to look up, at the people you’re used to looking down on. We’re trying to tell you something. I have lived through collapse and you’re already there. Until you understand this, you only have further to fall."

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1) The debate was, as described by some political commentators, a complete sh-t show. It was a national embarrassment, and that is the best thing that can be said about it. If I'm Joe Biden, I'm not participating in debates two or three. What would be the point? There is zero reason to believe that they would be any more productive or less of a disaster than last night's debacle.

2) Trump's open shout out to a neo-fascist group, the Proud Boys, should have been the end of his campaign (as should have been the NY Times tax revelations, his description of dead veterans as "losers", his admission that he outright lied to the public about the pandemic, his encouragement of civil insurrection during the lockdown, etc., etc., etc.), but we all know that it won't be.

3) I'd love to see something on why Trump's supporters refuse to change their minds about him, despite the overwhelming evidence that he is unfit for this (or any other) job.

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I took debate in my senior year of high school. The first preparatory step was to research both sides of the argument. Next was to find relevant facts and opinions supporting your side and to articulate your arguments coherently with documented, relevant evidence learned from your research.

The debate was never about incessantly trying to smear your opponent's relatives, academic standing with personal attacks and falsehoods. The focus was always on the argument. Lying and veering off course wasn't acceptable because it indicated a lack of preparedness and a character deficit which undermined your arguments.

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I'm not a fan of either Trump or Biden. They should both stand down and let younger, more imaginative, more progressive, more energetic, more intellectually sound, more technologically adept, more savvy, more persuasive, more ethical, more sincere, more independent, more committed, more believable leaders to come forward. The old guard doesn't cut it.

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Even MSNBC Trump apologist Chuckles Todd was forced to admit the fact that last night was a trainwreck was entirely Donald Trump's fault. I don't blame VP Biden for calling the clown a clown and telling him to shut up. I give him a TON of credit for not walking over and punching his lights out for being such a rude SOB, especially when he kept disparaging Biden's sons.

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The true Trump for all to see. Leadership by bulldozer.

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