They debated who was the real threat to democracy. They sparred over who was stronger. They went head-to-head on what freedom really means. And according to our columnists and contributors, one candidate emerged as the obvious winner. Josh Barro called Donald Trump's performance against Kamala Harris "rambling, bitter and too distracted." Michelle Cottle said she almost expected him to get "a rage-induced nosebleed." For years, for presidential debates, we've asked some of our writers to weigh in on the best and worst moments — what stood out to them, what they felt really mattered and who they thought won. Today, for the first time, you'll be able to register your opinion of the debate, too: Opinion's graphics team has been working on a new feature to let you drop a pin on the scorecard and see how you stack up against other readers, as well as our contributors. For most of our writers, the victor was clear: Harris. "Were there points when she could have given stronger answers? Of course," wrote Jamelle Bouie. "But on balance, she excelled, and Trump flailed." Pamela Paul called Harris's performance "authoritative." (Only one of our writers dissented; Dan McCarthy thought Trump won.) "The split screen really worked to Harris's benefit," Cottle wrote. "When listening to Trump, she wore a look that mixed concern and puzzlement to telegraph, 'This man is not well.'" As Liam Donovan put it, "She successfully baited Trump into self-indulgent, spittle-flecked tangents that squandered a prime opportunity to sow doubts about his opponent." In what David French called "the most unhinged screed of the night," Trump claimed Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating pet cats and dogs. Harris "was in control of the debate from that moment forward," French wrote, "and I've not seen anyone truly control a debate with Trump." Whether it's enough to vault her ahead of Trump is an open question. The latest Times/Siena poll was a reminder that Harris has significant vulnerabilities. Last night she did a masterly job of exposing Trump's belligerence. But a few of our participants weren't convinced that it would leave a meaningful mark on the shape of the race. There are 55 days left before Election Day — and that's an eternity in American politics. Here's what we're focusing on today:
We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times.
|
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Opinion Today: Who won last night’s debate?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment