As the nation braces for the upcoming debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, a sense of dread looms over many Americans. The prospect of witnessing these two political figures clash once again brings forth a mixture of frustration and disappointment. The debate, set to take place on Thursday night, marks their first face-off since the 2020 election. For many, the anticipation is less about political engagement and more about enduring a spectacle of incompetence and incoherence from both sides.
The idea of sitting through two hours of Biden and Trump trading barbs and attempting to articulate their visions for the country is, for some, akin to a form of torture. The thought of Biden mumbling about his student loan forgiveness program or Trump ranting about taxes on a continuous loop is enough to make one cringe. The reality is that neither candidate seems fully equipped to handle the complexities of their roles without extensive support from notes, teleprompters, and a team of aides.
In an ideal world, presidential candidates would embody charisma, genuineness, confidence, humility, and intelligence. However, the current political climate demands more than just the bare minimum. The stakes are high, and the public’s expectations are justifiably elevated. After all, the President of the United States is responsible for guiding the world’s largest economy, shaping foreign policy, and commanding the most powerful military in history. It’s a role that requires exceptional competence and mental acuity.
Yet, when considering Biden and Trump, one might hesitate to entrust them with leading major corporations like Tesla or Apple. This hesitation speaks volumes about their perceived capabilities. The presidential debates often feel like a game, a contest to determine who can sound the least awful while pretending to be great. It’s a charade that both candidates and the public are painfully aware of.
Biden’s tenure as president has been marked by a series of challenges and criticisms. His speeches often come across as incoherent and rambling, except when he discusses his student loan forgiveness program, which some view as a ploy to win over Gen Z voters. Despite touting a strong economy, Biden’s policies, such as the Build Back Better program, have been blamed for stoking inflation and adding trillions to the national debt. While wages may have increased, the rising costs of essentials like groceries, gas, and rent have left many Americans struggling.
Biden’s perceived weakness on the global stage and his willingness to raise taxes have further fueled doubts about his suitability as the Democratic nominee. Even within his own party, there are questions about whether he is the best representative for the Democrats.
On the other side of the debate stage stands Trump, whose tenure as president was marred by controversy and legal troubles. Trump’s narcissism, arrogance, and thin-skinned nature have made him a polarizing figure. His refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his baseless claims of victory have eroded trust in the democratic process. Moreover, his repeated insults towards the military and his status as a convicted felon raise serious concerns about his fitness to lead the nation.
Trump’s belief that he is above the law and his constant social media rants paint a picture of a leader more concerned with his own image than the well-being of the country. The idea of watching these two figures debate, as if they are the best candidates to lead the nation, feels disheartening. With over 336 million Americans, surely there are more capable leaders who could have been chosen.
The upcoming debate serves as a stark reminder of the current state of American politics. As a nation, we pride ourselves on our democratic republic, where the people have the power to choose their leaders. However, the choices we have made in recent years have led to a sense of disillusionment. As we approach our 248th Independence Day, the realization that we are left with two of the most controversial and polarizing figures in modern politics is a sobering thought.
For those who love politics and the democratic process, the debate is a necessary evil. It is a chance to see the candidates in action, to scrutinize their policies and their ability to articulate their visions for the future. However, it is also a reminder of the flaws and shortcomings of our current political system.
As the debate unfolds, many will watch with a sense of resignation, texting friends and family with sarcastic observations and rolling their eyes at the spectacle. The questions that linger are profound: Who are these men? How did they rise to such prominence? And what does it say about us as a nation that one of them will lead us for the next four years?
In the end, the debate between Biden and Trump is more than just a political event. It is a reflection of the current state of American politics, a system that often feels broken and in need of reform. As we watch these two figures clash, we are reminded of the importance of leadership, competence, and integrity. And we are left to ponder the future of our nation and the leaders who will guide us through the challenges ahead.
Source: USA TODAY
