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Trump v Biden: How the first 2020 presidential debate was a masterclass in verbal abuse
Trigger warning: this article explores abuse and tactics abusers use
Last night millions of viewers from around the world streamed the first presidential debate between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The debate was just over 90 minutes fraught with shouting, disrespect and a hell of a lot of mansplaining. But more than that, Trump’s antics were a masterclass in verbal abuse.
Like many other expats, I set an alarm to wake up and watch the debate live. As I lay in bed, earbuds crammed in my ears, I felt sick to stomach, woeful and generally depressed at what was playing out before me. Seeking solace in social media after the fact, there was no shortage of memes and rants echoing my disbelief.
What was that?! A friend posted on her timeline.
I’m just so embarrassed! Came the chorus of posts from fellow expats.
My initial reaction was that the debate was a dumpster fire. But as I tried to drift off to sleep, something kept me awake. I recalled the presidential debates between Obama and McCain…
