Biden calls Trump the worst US President, a liar as duo clash in Cleveland
In their first-ever televised debate in Cleveland, Democratic challenger Joe Biden called US President Donald Trump a liar, asking the latter to “shut up” when he interrupted him, on Tuesday night, AFP reported.
The face-off comes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest and an economic slump in the country.
It’s a key opportunity for Trump to improve his standing in a race that polls show has remained stubbornly unchanged. For Biden, the debate offers a chance to show the steadiness he says the nation needs in contrast to Trump’s divisiveness.
Although the two refused to shake hands, Biden welcomed Trump to the stage, saying, “How you doing, man?”
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The debate saw the two taking potshots at each other over administration issues and COVID-19.
The topics are the records of the candidates, the Supreme Court, the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, race and violence in our cities, and election integrity.
“Based on what you have said and done and so far what you have said you would do starting in 2021, why should the American people trust you more than your opponent to deal with this public health crisis?” Biden told Trump calling him “the worst president America has ever had”.
“You should get out of your bunker and get out of the sand trap and get off your golf course and go in the Oval Office and bring together the Democrats, Republicans and fund what needs to be done now to save lives.”
Trump, on the other hand, attacked Biden over his handling of the H1N1 outbreak during the Obama administration, calling it a “disaster”.
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The ongoing debate is being moderated by American TV anchor Chris Wallace.
At issue is the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 205,000 Americans and cost the country millions of jobs. Early voting is underway in many states, with the election 35 days away.
