Most Un-Presidented, Humorous Reactions To 2020’s First US Presidential Debate
By Mikelle Leow, 30 Sep 2020
Video screenshot via Donald J. Trump
2020’s surrealness could be summed up in the first presidential debate on Tuesday, when Donald Trump and Joe Biden went head to head with the purpose of having a serious discussion over pressing issues like COVID-19, race and violence, and the economy. Instead, the debate turned out to be more of a reality show.
The event was moderated by Fox News’ Chris Wallace, who planned to use a fly-on-the-wall method in hopes of getting Trump and Biden “to engage, to focus on the key issues, to give people at home a sense of, ‘Why I want to vote for one versus the other.’”
“My job is to be as invisible as possible,” Wallace described.
Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the case, as the anchor would often step in to dissolve heated arguments and a lot of talking-over.
At one moment, Biden was so evidently fed up that President Trump kept interrupting him, he retorted, “Will you shut up, man?”
Stress levels were on a high as over 100 million viewers tuned in on television to watch the two elects go back and forth, and their panic showed in the memes.
“I feel like I’m watching a Facebook comment feed in real time,” tweeted Protocol editor Mike Murphy.
“I hear Merriam-Webster is updating their definition of ‘s**t show,’” wrote celebrity chef Alton Brown.
Welp, only two more debates to go.
This debate feels like watching Uncut Gems
— Sophia Benoit (@1followernodad) September 30, 2020
The person trying to write the captions for this debate #Debatenight pic.twitter.com/IDz3Cn09bm
— samsfeelingood (@samsfeelinggood) September 30, 2020
Watching the debate is giving me a pre-existing condition
— Carlos del Rio (@CarlosdelRio7) September 30, 2020
I feel like I’m watching a Facebook comment feed in real time
— Mike Murphy (@mcwm) September 30, 2020
DEBATE DRINKING GAME: Drink every time all the time
— Aparna Nancherla (@aparnapkin) September 30, 2020
how Trump and Biden are treating the moderator pic.twitter.com/0EFNtkc7Eh
— Jeffery Perkins (@JefferyxBball) September 30, 2020
Takeaway: Chris Wallace would not be able to stop my kids from fighting
— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) September 30, 2020
I hear @MerriamWebster is updating their definition of “shit show.”
— Alton Brown (@altonbrown) September 30, 2020
Shit I thought the debate was between Trump and Biden. But it’s actually between Trump and Chris Wallace 😂😂😂 #Debatenight
— May (@MayDays08) September 30, 2020
Shit I thought the debate was between Trump and Biden. But it’s actually between Trump and Chris Wallace 😂😂😂 #Debatenight
— May (@MayDays08) September 30, 2020
Trump at #Debatenight when Biden raises a legitimate point. pic.twitter.com/tjuS87EnZM
— Rory (@Rory_Moe) September 30, 2020
Everytime trump says something ridiculous Biden turns directly to the camera like he’s on the office/parks#debatenight pic.twitter.com/ySUZznsNfx
— Marge (@marge185) September 30, 2020
When you find yourself laughing like it’s a good reality tv show, but then realize this IS reality #Debatenight pic.twitter.com/CW42hGRGtv
— Allie Cochran (@AllieCochran17) September 30, 2020
Fauci going, when did I say that Trump??? #Debatenight pic.twitter.com/fHghOq7qIj
— #askDeeVa (@MzDeeVa4you) September 30, 2020
Did trump just insult Biden for wearing a bigger mask than him?#Debatenight pic.twitter.com/XpJxNC9X5p
— Jordan Yanch (@JordanYanch) September 30, 2020
am i watching a comedy, a horror, a terrible school play, 2 drunk guys arguing outside of a bar, or a presidential debate
— scottysire (@ImNotScottySire) September 30, 2020
I feel like this will be me the entire debate #Debatenight pic.twitter.com/iYQkaCbDAN
— Rebel Knowledge (@RebelKnow) September 30, 2020
#Debatenight
— Big Girl Slay 💋 (@Biggirlslay) September 30, 2020
Chris as soon as this circus is over pic.twitter.com/StYL6t4HRI
[via Esquire and BuzzFeed News, cover image via Donald J. Trump]