Editor’s Note: We did a quick survey among Filipino Americans who watched the first Presidential debate on September 29, 2020. It was an unforgettable night because it was painful to watch. Let’s see if things can be improved. The next presidential debate is on October 15 and 22. The vice presidential debate is on October 7, 2020. Here are some suggestions from FilAms.
“The first presidential debate consisted of a series of ad hominems, non sequiturs, straw arguments and hasty generalizations. Both were guilty but one more so. It was so painful to watch. I could not believe I was watching a presidential debate. It was depressing on so many levels. Fact checking the debate in real time would be my recommendation.” Licelle Cobrador, Esq. New York City
“Trump turned the debate into a shouting match with Biden. It’s not a debate but trading of insults and that is where Trump excels. It’s good that Biden kept his composure. But the blame should be on the moderator. He seems to favor Trump and gave him a lot of slack. The moderator must be strict and in control. And that did not happen during the debate. As George Stephanopoulus said, “it’s the worst debate we have seen.” I agree. Next time, the rules must be clear and there should be mechanism to punish those who do not follow the rules like Trump. He even debated with the moderator.” Arturo Garcia, Los Angeles, CA
“Palagay ko, pre-tape na lang nila responses nila sa mga questions para walang interruptions. Then live ang rebuttals.” Rico Foz, Sacramento, California
“Ilagay daw sa soundproof na cubicle pag di nila turn magsalita. He can hear the other one talking, and people can see their reactions but cannot be heard.” Meryl Foz, Sacramento, CA
“They need to be strict on the rules. They may turn off microphones after the allowed time. I believe the basic guidelines need to be explained to them again and again. Lastly, change the moderator.” Roeline Ramirez, Jersey City, NJ
“Trump again showed who he really is: a racist, a bully, and someone who would rather talk over someone, than show any degree of Presidential civility. The debate was difficult to watch, but that’s been pretty much the theme of his entire administration. Moving forward, the debate moderator should have authority and access to turn off the microphone of the candidate not currently being asked a question.” Steven Raga, New York City
“The moderator should have the authority to turn off the mic if it’s not the candidates turn to speak or when he interrupts his opponent while speaking.” Tochi Quijano, Los Angeles, CA
“The debate Trump-Biden was extremely difficult to watch. The President never complied to the structure of the debate. Was interrupting VP Biden all the time. Accusative and all we hear from him were sewage politics not issues and policies. Unruly and would not give the floor to VP Biden. Trump claims that America is better now than before with more than 200,000 deaths due to Covid19 and 8.4 rate of unemployment. Considered billionaire and paid only $750 taxes, but he claimed he paid millions of dollar. The debate was not a debate.” Nieva Quezon Burdick, New York City
“Thanks. I have several suggestions. Debaters must respect the moderator; Must really follow the rules of the debate such as the time to give their talk uninterrupted. After that they can debate with no holds barred; Debaters should stick to the topic so as not to confuse the audience; Debaters should answer the question being asked; The moderator must be objective and neutral and not favor any candidate.” Emiljun Rapada, Elizabeth, NJ
“In my opinion, I would mute one candidate’s mic while the other is speaking. That way there won’t be too many distractions and their answers will be understood. As for the open discussion between the candidates, if one candidate rants like a kid, walk away and not dignify it. Without an audience, kids learn to behave.” Vanette Colmenares, New York City
“No way it can be improved…when you have a clown, a con man, and a bully all combined in one personality, you will have a street debater. I thought this type of debating only exists in third world countries. Trump put this country into shame… if I were Biden, I will refuse to debate a liar.” Joebert Opulencia, New York City
“My suggestion – they should not be put together in the same room so the moderator can mute and stop video when it’s not his turn to speak. In two separate cubicles, I mean.” Sylvia Hubilla, Round Rock, TX
