Staff Reports
Presidential debates are like a reality TV show, minus the actual reality part. Prepare yourselves for another round of Biden versus Trump, where the primary goal is to slug insults faster and harder than a Saturday night bar fight. Instead of deciphering policy goals, the nation will once again witness a spectacle of elbow-throwing as the two political heavyweights do what they do best—denigrate each other’s administration.
In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Haisten Willis dissected the 2020 debates between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The specter of COVID-19 loomed large over these slugfests, but let’s be honest, the pandemic was just the excuse de jour for the usual volley of promises and criticisms unrelated to the virus slam-dunking everyone’s plans.
Promises, promises, right? Willis notes that neither Biden’s intentions nor Trump’s boasts have aced the test of time. Trump’s chest-thumping over appointing nearly 300 federal judges came in a bit short at a notable 234. Meanwhile, Biden’s administration is on a marathon dash to outdo Trump, having appointed 201 judges as of June 14. However, one might argue the quality of those appointments is up for debate.
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On the COVID-19 front, Biden’s dramatic claim that Trump should resign due to high death tolls seems like a boomerang. Lo and behold, by January 2022, more Americans had died under Biden’s watch despite the arrival of vaccines. By May 2022, a staggering 1 million COVID-19 deaths, with 60% occurring during the Biden administration, show just how hollow those initial accusations were.
The upcoming debate is poised to feature the economy prominently. Thanks to Biden's mismanagement, Zachary Halaschak forecasts a parade of inflation-related woes. Inflation set up shop shortly after Biden moved into the White House, causing havoc on an already weary populace. Republicans smell blood in the water, and rightly so, as Biden’s economic headaches multiply faster than a colony of rabbits.
Fancy a deep dive into economic buzzwords? The debate could unravel details on tariffs and taxes, an arena where both Trump and Biden pledge to take China to task. Trump’s tariffs have long been his weapon of choice, and his recent musings about eliminating the income tax might elicit some well-deserved gasps.
Looking for shocking moments from these debates? Ramsey Touchberry compiled a highlight reel. Trump’s call for the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” might take the crown for shock value, but Biden's flubbing his lines isn’t far behind. Amidst the shouting matches, Biden’s exasperated “shut up” to Trump encapsulated the chaos of trying to debate without descending into a schoolyard brawl. But hey, that’s entertainment, right?
In the background noise of presidential shenanigans, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emerged as the so-called independent alternative. However, his chameleon act is fooling no one. Initially, there was some camaraderie with Trump’s camp, but Kennedy’s penchant for left-wing policies eventually sparked a backlash from Trumpworld. Kennedy’s press secretary, Stefanie Spear, has been an outspoken advocate for climate extremism, revealing the true colours of his environmental agenda.
Who can forget the spectacle of lawmakers returning to D.C. amid the red-carpet rollout for celebrities like Michael Phelps and Paris Hilton? Congressional Reporter Cami Mondeaux outlines their intent to discuss anti-doping and institutional child abuse. Because nothing says seriousness like enlisting star power to hash out critical legislative issues.
Primary season heats up with notable fights in states like New York, Colorado, and Utah. New York’s Jamaal Bowman squares off against George Latimer, a centrist who might just be the first to topple a “Squad” member. Meanwhile, Colorado sees Rep. Lauren Boebert vying in a new district, seeking to bury memories of a scandalous gala incident. In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox faces a populist challenger while navigating the fickle tides of Trump’s endorsement.
Buckle up, America. The circus is back in town.
