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In a chaotic debate, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden met for the first time to talk on television. Commenters were particularly shocked by Trump’s aggressive insults and his appeal to the right-wing extremist group “Proud Boys.” Instead of condemning them, Trump told the group, “Proud guys, stop and get ready.” (Read the progress of the debate on the live blog here.)
Members of the right-wing extremist “Proud Boys” celebrated Trump’s advice to his group, as demonstrated by a “New York Times” reporter in screenshots on Twitter. A member of the group, Joe Biggs, wrote: “President Trump told the Proud Boys to wait because someone has to take care of ANTIFA … Sir, we are ready!”
The far-right group has repeatedly drawn attention during protests for its willingness to use violence. Members of the FBI have repeatedly warned in the past that white supremacist groups pose a growing threat in the U.S. Trump’s son Donald Trump Junior told CBS television after the debate that his father had committed a mistake.
The head of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, was shocked by Trump’s statement on Twitter. “I’m trying to find out if that was an answer or an approval. @POTUS owes the United States an apology or an explanation. Now.”
“An absolutely terrible debate”
Reactions in the media were clear:
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CNN titled “An absolutely terrible debate” – “An absolutely terrible debate.”
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Online outlet “BuzzFeed” called the debate “The Great American Shitshow.”
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“Sharp attacks and personal insults in a first chaotic debate,” headlined the “New York Times.” One commentator cautioned that Trump’s announcement that the election would only be recognized if he was elected should be taken seriously.
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“It may be that the debate is declared a draw – or a double loss – because so little light was generated with all this heat,” analyzed a commentator on ABC television.
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“Daily Show” host Trevor Noah yelled “What was that ?!” To the camera after the debate. And then he commented on the helplessness of host Chris Wallace, who barely managed to contain Trump’s outbursts.
Audience reactions:
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In a poll by CNN, six out of 10 viewers said Biden did a better job debating. Only 28 percent said Trump did better. At the same time, 56 percent of those surveyed said they expected more from Biden. 43 percent said the same about Trump.
Reactions of politicians and experts:
Pundits quickly ranked the former vice president and Democratic opposition candidate as the winner of the heated duel, and viewers as the losers, because there was hardly any orderly and enlightening discussion.
