Commentary -- Do I get my time back

Viviane Ugalde is a staff reporter for The Fallon Post and recent University of Nevada graduate. She is a Fallon native and in her spare time does stand-up comedy.

Viviane Ugalde
10/01/2020 06:16 AM (update 04/11/2023 01:53 AM)

Commentary -- Do I get my time back — *Viviane Ugalde*

Vice President Biden asked Wallace if he would get his time back from interruptions during his allotted time. I would like to know if I get my time back from watching the debate in the first place.

The minute, and morning, after the first presidential debate of the 2020 election held many commentators condemning and berating both candidates and the moderator for their poor debating.

I’m not sure why anyone was surprised.

What I saw Tuesday night, is what I’ve seen in the past. Each person filled the stereotype they are perceived to be.

The Democrats (Vice President Biden) smiled at statements they disagreed with and platforms they want to change. They were smug. Not much of a shock there.

The Republicans (President Trump) interrupted and played powerful trigger words for the ‘undecided voter’ to be won over. They were showboating. Still, I wasn’t too shocked.

And both candidates were fighting over the moderator’s attention like a child being fought over for custody.

The debate addressed seven broad topics, with smaller questions – and what could arguably be called rebuttals – over around 90 minutes. The topics included the Supreme Court, coronavirus, economic plans, electability, climate control, race, and mail-in voting.

The entire debate covered the same topics that no two candidates every agree on: Roe v. Wade, tax cuts, law enforcement, and universal health care.

The debate was unconventional of course, but at the bare bones of the event there should be no shock. Living in this country more than three minutes should make anyone less than shocked of our political players and the system they constantly manipulate.

The only thing that surprised me about this debate, was that Chris Wallace did not hand over his duties to a high school debate coach who could bring more discipline.