America witnessed a man in total control.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/how-trump-did-debate-new-rules-00165694
As for the moderators, they were effective, politely policing the candidates from talking past their allotted time. After the debate, some on the left criticized Tapper and Bash for failing to fact check Trump. But CNN had already announced that the debate would not be fact-checked, nor would they contest answers. The simplicity of the mise en scène, like the muted mics and audience-free environment, allowed Biden and Trump’s voices to carry the night. If only the cleared air had dramatically improved the quality of the candidates’ responses, which can’t be blamed on the moderators. Both men recycled their greatest hits about Jan. 6, inflation, Covid, immigration and Ukraine instead of opening new rhetorical vistas. If all you’ve done this year is eavesdrop on the campaign, you didn’t hear much new from either man.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/how-trump-did-debate-new-rules-00165694
As for the moderators, they were effective, politely policing the candidates from talking past their allotted time. After the debate, some on the left criticized Tapper and Bash for failing to fact check Trump. But CNN had already announced that the debate would not be fact-checked, nor would they contest answers. The simplicity of the mise en scène, like the muted mics and audience-free environment, allowed Biden and Trump’s voices to carry the night. If only the cleared air had dramatically improved the quality of the candidates’ responses, which can’t be blamed on the moderators. Both men recycled their greatest hits about Jan. 6, inflation, Covid, immigration and Ukraine instead of opening new rhetorical vistas. If all you’ve done this year is eavesdrop on the campaign, you didn’t hear much new from either man.
