The highly anticipated first presidential debate took place on Tuesday night, giving Americans the chance to see President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden face off in person for the first time.
What happened was even more chaotic, unproductive, and unmanageable than people expected, largely thanks to the President.
Trump demonstrated an apparent inability to stop interrupting his opponent and even the moderator, Chris Wallace. His refusal to comply with the rules on the debate stage made proceedings stall and snuffed out most chances for a productive detailing of each candidate's plan.
Despite multiple reprimands for Trump, there was little improvement.
CNN anchor Dana Bash, responding after the debate, said the word that was on everyone's mind to describe the chaotic proceedings.
Watch below.
CNN's Dana Bash on the first presidential debate of the 2020 election: "That was a shit show." #debates #Debate2020 pic.twitter.com/BwXuMkSWLH
— Evan Semones (@evansemones) September 30, 2020
After co-anchor Jake Tapper called the debate "horrific," Bash said:
"You just took the words out of my mouth. You used some high-minded language. I'm just gonna say it like it is. That was a sh*t show. And, you know, we're on cable. We can say that. Apologies for being maybe a little bit crude, but that is really the phrase that I'm getting, you know, from people on both sides of the aisle on text."
People were all in agreement with Bash.
@DanaBashCNN you have nothing to apologize it was a complete s**t show. I powered through the whole thing, hoping beyond hope Wallace would get control that Trump would get a clue (or someone would bring him a Xanex)so us common folk could figure out what they were talking about
— Kim (@outlawpaws68) September 30, 2020
atta girl. say it like how it is dana 🙌
— Wall Street Jake (@JakeforPete2020) September 30, 2020
Yes it was.
— Ron R (@verdugo_don) September 30, 2020
Shoutout to @DanaBashCNN for telling the truth; that was a cathartic statement for us all!!
— John D. Johnson III (@BrotherJDJ3) September 30, 2020
Bravo Dana!
— William Machado (@ashlandman) September 30, 2020
People largely blamed Trump for how the event devolved.
CHRIS WALLACE, MINUTE 1: Hello, gentlemen. I'm expecting a respectful debate
CHRIS WALLACE, MINUTE 12: Jesus Christ Mr. President, we just need 3 seconds of you not shouting. Just 3
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) September 30, 2020
If Trump thinks he won that debate, then he's more unhinged than I ever thought was possible. #BidenWonTheDebate
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) September 30, 2020
agreed, and think this is the overlooked angle from last night. Trump's debate behavior changed dramatically from 2016 to 2020–he's evolved into pure autocratic, wallowing in WH worship. he can't abide questions in person https://t.co/oRvzauFlfv
— Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) September 30, 2020
The reason Trump's narcissism is a disorder and not just a personality is because it doesn't work. It is dysfunctional.
Take last night. Trump has no functional tools. When his dysfunctional behavior isn't working, his only impulse is to heap on more of it.
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) September 30, 2020
The second presidential debate will be held on October 15.
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