My Top 10 Debate Takeaways

As promised, here are my Top 10 Takeaways from last night’s cage match that masqueraded as a presidential debate…

1. Like many Americans, I feel like I am owed a refund. I tuned in expecting to see a debate, but instead the networks apparently switched their coverage to a UFC title fight – with resolutions and rebuttals quickly giving way to body slams and eye gouges.

2. President Trump has a strong record of accomplishments to run on and should have found a way to list them every time he was asked a question. Answer the question directly… and then segue to an accomplishment. Rinse, lather, and repeat.

3. Given enough rope, it was only a matter of time before Joe Biden hung himself. Unfortunately, President Trump never gave him the chance, constantly interrupting the former VP before he got tongue-twisted, lost his place, or both.

4. Chris Wallace lost control over the proceedings faster than a Mike Tyson knockout. At first, I felt sorry for him. However, after reading some transcripts of the debate, he obviously played favorites and deserved the mayhem he helped create.

5. After surrendering to the progressives in the primaries, Joe Biden attempted – and failed – to pass himself off as a moderate. Every time he tried, I was reminded of Boy George and Culture Club singing “Karma Chameleon”. In case you forgot, the song’s lyrics include the following: “I'm a man without conviction; I'm a man who doesn't know.”

6. Whoever comes up with a better debate format, one that has an unbiased moderator and enforceable rules, should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Shutting off mics when it’s the other person’s turn to speak would be a good start. So would tasers or a pair of electric cattle prods.

7. Before the debate, 74% of Americans indicated they planned to watch. I have a feeling that by the night’s end, viewership was in single digits. Not single digit millions… single digits, period.

8. Speaking of viewership, I predict the second debate will have half the ratings of the first. Yeah, I know, not exactly going out on a limb. That being said, I have much higher hopes for next week’s Vice Presidential debate. Mike Pence is a class act; Kamala Harris… not so much. She should be easy pickings for Pence.

9. President Trump won on substance and Joe Biden won (or at least, didn't lose) on style. Time will tell which one independent voters prefer.

10. Our country needs prayer. Today is my 61st birthday and although I vaguely remember the social unrest of the Sixties, I don’t think we have experienced such division since the Civil War. God help us.