While 47 million American people have already casted their vote, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden attempted to rally undecided voters with a debate filled with personal attacks, muted microphones and plans for a better future.
“I ran because of you Joe,” said Trump.
“Abraham Lincoln here is the most racist president in history,” said Biden.
Both Trump and Biden did not refrain from voicing allegations based on the other competitor’s character and conduct during Wednesday’s debate.
The final presidential debate was hosted at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., moderated by NBC correspondent Kristen Welker. Welker selected six topics— COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national security and leadership— to test both parties’ stances and future plans.
In order to provide the American people with clearer communication through fewer interruptions, each candidate was muted during their opponent’s opening response. After the allotted two minutes, each microphone was unmuted.
The debate began with questions posed to both candidates about the coronavirus and plans for the future. Trump promised the American people with a vaccine “in the coming weeks,” that will be distributed by the military. He noted the original projection of 2.2 million deaths and hypothesized what Biden’s efforts would have been based on his response to the H1N1 spread during his vice presidency.
“Anyone who is responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States,” responded Biden.
Following breaking news since the two faced off during the first debate, both Trump and Biden strove to clear the air. For Trump, in regards to his tax returns. For Biden, his family’s involvements in foreign business deals.
“I am going to release them [tax returns] as soon as I can,” said Trump. “I prepaid my tax.”
The “prepaid” comes in response to the New York Time’s investigation earlier this month that found the president only paid $750 in income tax. Trump said he is waiting for his audit before the release.
“I have released all of my tax returns,” said Biden. “What are you hiding?”
Trump immediately swung the discussion to Biden’s family involvements, with son Hunter Biden at the forefront. Trump asked Biden directly about the source of the Biden family’s wealth, implying China, Ukraine and Russia as the supplier.
“Nothing was unethical,” said Biden. “Not one single solitary thing.”
“That is 100% dishonest,” said Trump.
Overnight, America learned of both Russia and Iran working to interfere in the election, posing a threat to national security and election integrity. President Trump deflected by asking Biden about his personal business relationship with Russia.
“Any country that interferes with us will pay a price for interfering with American sovereignty,” said Biden.
“I don’t get money from Russia,” said Trump. “You owe an explanation to the American people.”
Biden continued to criticize Trump’s close relationship with Russian politician Vladimir Putin and called Rudy Giuliani “a Russian pawn.”
With race relations in the United States as a heated topic in 2020, Welker formed a series of questions that tested both Biden’s 1994 crime bill and Trump’s immigration policy.
Trump labeled Biden’s crime bill a “harm to the Black community.” He continued to state the advancements his administration has made for the Black community, through low unemployment numbers, funding of historically black colleges and criminal justice and prison reform.
Biden responded that if elected, his administration will work to combat “institutional racism in America.”
Biden asked the president about the “families separated by the border” and the 545 missing sets of parents. He included that his administrations plans to “create a pathway to citizenship for 11 million people.”
President Trump responded back.
“They [the parents] don’t come back. They never come back,” said Trump. “You don’t know the law, Joe.”
Biden addressed the Obama administration’s failure to deliver immigration reform and plan to provide citizenship for undocumented immigrants and DACA children.
“You had 8 years and did nothing,” said Trump.
The two candidates ended the debate with a hypothetical inauguration speech, addressing the American people who did not vote for them in the election.
“Success is going to bring us together,” said Trump.
“I represent all of you whether you voted for or against me,” said Biden.
You can find the full debate here!
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/10/23/final-presidential-debate-full-video-dbx-vpx.cnn
Regardless of Trump or Biden, go fulfill your civic duty and vote on Nov. 3!
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