Thousands of Americans gathered in bars and partisan events to watch the hot summer debate: the long-awaited meeting between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump, and after that political clash, the survey conducted by CNN, which was the one that transmitted the debate, The result in favor of Trump was overwhelming: 67% of those consulted saw him as the winner of the debate, while only 33% favored the current president of the United States.
As a simple example of what was reproduced on every screen throughout the United States, we can mention the tension that was experienced in The Continental Club, a bar in downtown Los Angeles where dozens of people gathered to watch the political give-and-take that marks the beginning of what promises to be a tough campaign towards the November elections for the White House.
There Denise Hernandez, a fervent Trump supporter, and Mike McFarland, pro-Biden, chose the event to mark their first date. The only point in common of the budding couple? “We agree to disagree,” they noted.
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“It’s really important to bring the community together to hear the candidates and make an informed decision,” said Farah Cassis, the Continental’s events director. “And why not at a bar? Especially with this debate going on… People need to enjoy the debate and have a drink at the same time. Some of us do,” she said with a laugh. The crowd at the Los Angeles bar quickly warmed up.
Trump’s first intervention was met with laughter, which quickly turned to boos and sporadic cries of “fuck you!” Hernandez, clearly in the minority, said she was not intimidated: “I think I’m an anomaly here, but that doesn’t change my opinion of President Trump (…). I think he’s more competent than Biden.”
At his side, McFarland did not hide his frustration with the participation of the current president. “He is a little old, but he still has clear facts (…). That is why I will continue to support him,” he insisted.
For many, a daunting option
The first of only two debates in this presidential election was held earlier than usual in American campaigns. While some are coming into this electoral battle with clear positions, for many the decision between Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, is more than difficult, it is daunting.
The debate did not meet expectations. “I didn’t learn anything new,” added Marcos Lopez, who at this stage of the electoral duel feels more inclined to vote for Trump. “I really tried to understand what (Biden) was saying. It’s very difficult! He’s 81! He’s like my grandfather!”
Scenes of tension and anticipation like that were repeated elsewhere in the United States.
Looking at the debate winner, the debate in Los Angeles left a bitter taste in the mouth for some Biden supporters. “I don’t want to vote for him (Biden), he’s not my first choice, but we have to look around and be realistic,” said Lindsey Michelle.
For Raúl Hernandez, the undisputed winner was Trump: “He is more competent than Biden!” At his side, Ralph McFarland did not hide his frustration: “It was divided, the view is that Biden lost, I know he is doing badly, but in fact he won, and I am moved by the facts, for me he won the debate.”
Biden, satisfied: “We did well”
In a brief press conference, US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he had emerged unscathed from the debate against Republican Donald Trump, although reactions are much more nuanced, even within the Democratic Party. “I think we did well,” Biden told reporters at a Georgia restaurant (east), insisting that it is “it’s hard to debate a liar.”
AFP/HB
