Fil-Ams react to Biden-Trump debate: Did both candidates lose voter confidence?

WASHINGTON – The aftermath of any presidential debate typically revolves around one question: Who won?

A CNN poll indicated that 67 percent of Americans believed Donald Trump emerged victorious in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle between President Joe Biden and his predecessor.

However, this debate left no winners, only losers – chiefly, the American people. Many commentators echoed this sentiment, asserting that the true losers were the citizens themselves.

The debate covered key issues such as the economy, abortion, the January 6th Capitol attack and Trump’s recent criminal conviction. Yet, both candidates’ performances left much to be desired. 

Disappointment among Democrats was palpable regarding Biden‘s performance. His responses were often incoherent, and his frail appearance, which he attributed to having a cold, did not inspire confidence. 

Conversely, Trump appeared strong, even as he reportedly lied about various topics, including his criminal conviction. According to The New York Times, Trump made 26 false statements.

“It is painful to say that tonight’s debate was dismal,” said Rocio Nuyda, a super PAC representative from Los Angeles. “Both candidates’ performances did not meet the expectations for the position they aspire to.”

President Joe Biden, right, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, stand during break in a presidential debate hosted by CNN, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Broadway veteran actor Lydia Gaston, who favors Biden, expressed deep frustration over his lackluster performance. “Trump was not fact-checked for many statements,” Gaston told Inquirer.net USA. “The January 6th attack is a big issue that Trump continues to minimize. [Meanwhile], I was hoping Biden would come on more energetically, especially because many young people are critical of his age and doubt his capabilities. I wanted to coach Biden to get closer to the mic and look more feisty. Appearances matter so much these days! I wish he had refuted more of Trump’s false statements.”

Despite the criticism, many still showed support for the sitting president, emphasizing facts and decency over optics. Donny de Leon, a retired healthcare worker from California, stated that he valued Biden’s commitment to truth.

For community advocate Tess dela Cruz, the debate’s outcome was inconsequential. “The debate doesn’t matter to me,” she said. “I don’t care about Biden being incoherent and fragile. It’s too early in the election cycle, and I’ve already made up my mind. I care about truth and decency. Who wants to vote for a convicted felon?”

LGBT activist Chelle Lhuillier agreed. “Biden may have been low in energy; perhaps he was tired from prepping. But he scored points on substance and accomplishments for the American people. It wasn’t a strong night for him, but he can come back strong and firm again. If this comes down to truth, Biden has it.”

On the other hand, Trump loyalist Boots Babushka blamed CNN for manipulating the debate in favor of Biden. “Censorship comes in many shapes and sizes and forms and scents and poetry,” she said. “I thank myself for not voting in 2020 and 2024. But I voted in 2016.”

Addressing concerns about inflation, Biden attributed the current economic situation to challenges inherited from the Trump administration, including a struggling economy and a poorly managed pandemic response. He highlighted efforts by his administration to lower prices, such as reducing insulin costs. 

Trump on the other hand, defended his economic record, claiming to have presided over the “greatest economy” in US history, a statement disputed by economic metrics like GDP growth. Trump criticized Biden’s job creation efforts, falsely alleging they only benefited “illegal immigrants” and were tied to post-COVID-19 recovery. He also advocated for a 10 percent tariff on foreign products, arguing it would penalize countries like China for unfair trade practices, despite conflicting opinions from economic experts.

On immigration, Trump criticized Biden for allegedly opening the border to criminals, terrorists, and individuals from prisons and mental institutions worldwide. He claimed the country faced a surge of terrorists and insisted that during his presidency, the US had the safest border in history. 

Biden refuted these claims, stating there was no data to support Trump’s assertions and accused him of exaggerating and lying. Biden pointed out that the only known terrorist who crossed the border during his administration killed three American soldiers, challenging Trump’s narrative about widespread terrorist infiltration.

The debate left many feeling disheartened and concerned about the state of American politics. Neither candidate emerged as a clear victor, leaving the American people questioning the future leadership of their nation.