The First Debate

This post was written by members of the WOW Dems Board in response to the Sept. 29 presidential debate between Democratic nominee Vice President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. If you missed the debate, view it here.

WOW Leaders Respond to First Presidential Debate

Debbie O’Reilly, President

Last night, Vice President Biden looked the American people in the eye and reached out to us. He captured our heartbreak, our grieving, and our longing for restored normalcy and decency in America. When Biden said about COVID-19, “It is what it is because you are who you are,” we all nodded our heads in agreement that Trump’s failed leadership could never have helped us battle this virus: He is the virus, and our vote will be the cure.

 

Hazel Weathers, Programs Committee & past WOW president

The disgusting dumpster-fire of a debate was an embarrassment to America. It was exhausting to watch Trump completely ignore the debate rules that had been agreed upon and constantly interrupt anyone else who tried to talk. What stood out most to me was his response to a question about white supremacy. The President of the United States refused to condemn white supremacists and instead sent a signal to “Proud Boys,” a heavily armed white nationalist hate group, to “stand down and stand by.”  He also said he is “encouraging his supporters to go into polling locations” to watch things (read: “intimidate voters”).

It appears to me he knows he is going to lose and wants to create chaos during and after the election in an attempt to invalidate it, and he may even use violence to try to wrest victory from the jaws of defeat. I see this is a battle cry! We must do everything in our power to turn out the vote and ensure an overwhelming victory for Biden-Harris.

Legislative Committee Chairs weigh in on key issues

Healthcare [COVID-19]: Trump suggested he has a replacement plan for the ACA and that he’s made great strides in improving healthcare for people, with few specifics. He also opined that COVID was China’s fault and he’s done great things for our country in containing it. Biden pushed back at Trump, suggesting more needed to be done in March. He blasted Trump for the number of deaths that Biden believes could have been lessened if stronger support of mask usage and social distancing while in public were encouraged by the federal government.

“For me, preserving and defending Medicare is a sacred trust between our seniors and our government. We’ve got to give Medicare the power, for example, to negotiate drug prices.” –Joe Biden

Biden mentioned he had a plan to work with scientists and medical professionals to get a vaccine distributed once it’s made. He clearly wants to lead with data and not just by those who are bullied and pressured by the president. He advocated for scientists from various areas to weigh the evidence and facts including those who don’t have a vested interest in their vaccine being selected for widespread adoption and distribution.

Voting Rights: Biden mentioned voting fraud has been debunked and that several states have been voting by mail for several years with no issues. Biden was clear and direct on the need to vote including providing step by step instructions and resources to accomplish it with multiple options. Trump went back to questioning the validity of mail-in ballots. His claims were over-the-top. Biden encouraged those watching to vote in whatever manner they are comfortable. Visit our voter information or www.vote411.org for eligibility and ballot information.

Social Justice/Police Reform: Biden stated he’s in favor of civil obedience or peaceful protesters but not looting. He also stated we should work with law enforcement and the community to make sure bad police are no longer bringing down the work that good officers are doing. Trump spoke almost exclusively about the protests and the need for “law and order.” Biden attempted to distinguish between peaceful and lawful protests and violence. He stated he supports law, order, and JUSTICE.

Angie, Communications Committee Co-Chair

“So, let’s try to be serious about it.”

Having to hear Chris Wallace say that before posing a question about COVID-19 during last night’s presidential debate was, for me, symbolic of a new low regarding the state of rhetoric in this country. And I’m happy to point the finger at who’s responsible for this new low: Trump, his enablers, and his supporters.

What I saw last night was repulsive. I knew not to expect much out of Trump, but I’m more convinced than ever that he is incapable and unwilling to learn from his mistakes or show one iota of respect for anyone or anything. I’ve seen petulant, spoiled toddlers behave and listen better than him; this makes my stomach turn.

I am absolutely horrified and embarrassed that this man is the “leader” of this nation and of the free world. I’m terrified at his commitment to spreading misinformation and fear-mongering. Folks, we have to spend every minute of every day from now until the election combating his campaign of disinformation and getting out the Dem vote.

He won’t get another bite at the apple. Not on my watch.

Mary Tipper, Communications Committee Co-Chair

It was obvious from the first minutes of the debate that Trump wasn’t there for a serious discussion of issues or to make his case to Americans about why they should vote for him. He was there to lie, to disrupt, and to prevent Biden from making his own case to Americans. He showed complete disrespect for Biden, the moderator, and the American public. He demonstrated he is nothing but a bully, a liar, and a racist.

While his actions and words were no surprise, they were nonetheless horrifying to witness. His inability to denounce white supremacy was unacceptable. And his call to the “Proud Boys” to “stand by” was chilling. After what we all witnessed last night, I don’t believe additional debates will prove productive. This president has spent the last four years dividing us while destroying this country. It will take years to repair the damage. If Trump is given another four years, I truly believe this country won’t survive.

 

P.S. Ensuring Trump is not re-elected is a priority.

So is ensuring we flip the Senate, holding on to and expanding our majority in the House of Representatives, and flipping Texas. Electing a Democratic majority in every body of government across this nation has never been more important.

Voter registration ends Oct. 5 and early voting starts Oct. 10. We’re just a little more than a month from the general election. Please visit the “Voting” section of our website and our Voter Registration Galore post for comprehensive info on voter registration and voting. 

Looking for more ways to get involved? Get involved in the campaigns of our endorsed candidates or join one or more of our committees!