Trump, Biden Trade Insults in 1st 2020 Presidential Debate

NaDa Mustafa

US President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden attacked each other and traded insults during the first 2020 presidential debate, held Wednesday (CLT).

During the 90-minute debate in Cleveland, Ohio, both candidates fought over many key issues foremost of which coronavirus pandemic and the economy.

Concerning the coronavirus pandemic, Biden said that Trump had "panicked" over the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans.

"A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter, a lot quicker," Biden said.

The US president objected to Biden using the word "smart."

"You graduated either the lowest or almost the lowest in your class," the president said. "Don't ever use the word smart with me. Don't ever use that word."

At another point, the former vice president Joe Biden called Donald Trump a "clown".

"It's hard to get any word in with this clown... excuse me, this person," Biden said, moments after Trump was warned by moderator Chris Wallace not to interrupt.

Regarding the economy, Trump attacked Biden for having spent four decades in public office and failed to fix many problems.

"The people understand, Joe — 47 years. You have done nothing," the president said.

In turn, Biden hit back at trump's mockery, saying, "You're the worst president America has ever had," "Come on."

He also called the president "Putin's puppy" in a reference to Russia's president.

Things became even more heated when Biden accused Trump of stoking racial pisions.

“He’s just a racist. This is a president who has used everything as a dog whistle to try to generate racial hatred, racial pision.”

When asked by the debate moderator if he would denounce white supremacists and paramilitary groups, the president replied,“What do you want me to call them? Give me a name. Give me a name.”

Biden interjected with “Proud Boys,” referring to the far-right violent group. Trump did not condemn the hate group, but said instead “Proud Boys, stand back, stand by.”