KIRO Radio and KTTH hosts react to chaotic first presidential debate
Sep 29, 2020, 5:27 PM | Updated: Sep 30, 2020, 10:19 am
President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
You might have thought the showdown Tuesday night between President Trump and Vice President Biden was an entertaining debate or a disgraceful debate. KIRO Radio and KTTH hosts weighed in throughout to break it down.
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Tuesday’s debate was replete with taunts flung between the candidates, as well as a number of heated clashes over the ongoing pandemic, deeply personal attacks about Biden’s family, and a discussion over the future of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The night’s festivities came to a head, though, when Trump refused to outwardly condemn white supremacists, telling the Proud Boys to “stand back, stand by.”
That Trump didn't directly call out white supremacy (which he has done before) was a huge miscalculation. He's right that Antifa violence is responsible for the violence. But you can make that point *and* call out white supremacy directly.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Trump instead pivoted, saying that “somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem — this is a left-wing problem.”
Biden frequently made efforts to distance himself from the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party, stopping short of throwing his full support behind the Green New Deal, and not providing a direct answer to whether he would support calls from the left to expand the Supreme Court.
“There’s no way a Bernie Sanders or AOC supporter is happy with Joe Biden tonight,” KTTH’s Jason Rantz noted. “And that will be the way this debate harms Biden the most.”
On Trump’s side, the president again refused to accept the results of November’s election, decrying mail-in voting and suggesting that the nation is poised for a surge in voter fraud. When asked the question directly over whether he would step aside in the event of a Biden victory, he replied, “not if I see ballots being manipulated.”
Trump ended that debate speaking down on an election process that got him elected in the first place. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Despite casting himself as “the one who brought back football,” the president fielded frequent attacks over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Biden accused the president of waiting too long to respond to the virus, claiming that even now, “he still doesn’t have a plan.”
Biden – recounts the number of deaths and Trump’s quote “It is what it is”, back to the refrain “the president has no plan”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
The end result of Tuesday’s debate was a heated affair that many feel didn’t move the needle much in terms of winning over new voters for either candidate.
Trump wins on issues
Chris Wallace was a one-sided disgrace
Joe Biden did much better than expected over 90 minutes
I doubt if any voters were changed
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
For a full Tweet recap of Tuesday night’s debate from KIRO Radio and KTTH hosts, start here and work backwards:
Trump ended that debate speaking down on an election process that got him elected in the first place. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
The calls by Democrats start now: they will push, again, to cancel remaining debates.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Thanks everybody. I will say they covered a lot more ground than if there had been a full house cheering and jeering.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump wins on issues
Chris Wallace was a one-sided disgrace
Joe Biden did much better than expected over 90 minutes
I doubt if any voters were changed
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Over. And even at his advanced age Biden remains standing.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Will you pledge not to claim victory until all ballots are counted and certified? Trump –not if I see ballots being manipulated.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
“Bad things happen in Philadelphia.” – Trump
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden just said he didn't call troops "stupid bastards" and that we should "play it." He 100% did. Have at it and play it.https://t.co/z8oJf1R7xX https://t.co/AT2FuVpN1j
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Trump on mail-in ballots. It’s a fraud and it’s a shame
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
The idea that, suddenly, millions of jobs will be created by Joe Biden's energy plan is just… malarkey. Much of what he'd mandate is incredibly expensive — how would people or businesses even afford it? They couldn't. We need a *sensible* plan on energy.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Trump says there was no transition when he took over – implying the Obama people stayed in power and tried to undermine him from the inside.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump’s “nuke the hurricane” quote was reported by Axios last year and came from an unnamed source.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Joe spews nonsense with no interruptions from Chris Wallace. Trump asks about Joe calling military "stupid bastards". Joe doesn't remember what Trump said. Wallace: "I have trouble myself"
This is a disgrace
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden – The green new deal is NOT my plan
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
So Trump takes a shot at Biden’s son who has been in Recovery. Is that where we are now? Do we just discard those that have battled addiction? Yeah, not me, and I expect for our President to not do it either. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
It is clearly a one on two debate. This has been a disgraceful effort by Chris Wallace.
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden – talks about charging stations, weatherized buildings, net zero by 2035 and creating jobs that pay more than $15 an hour.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump was smart to pivot from the Beau Biden story — which was planned and was effective, until Trump pushed it to Hunter Biden, the son that is problematic for the campaign. #debates
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Why change clean air rules, and fuel economy standards? To keep cars cheap so people can replace their polluting clunkers, he says.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Boy Chris Wallace hates Trump!
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Trump attacks Hunter. Biden– my son had a drug problem. He overcame it.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
That Trump didn't directly call out white supremacy (which he has done before) was a huge miscalculation. He's right that Antifa violence is responsible for the violence. But you can make that point *and* call out white supremacy directly.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Biden defends Antifa. Unbelievable. People in our region know much better.
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden – Trump has left us weaker and sicker. He’s Putin’s puppy.
Trump interrupts.
Wallace – Mr President follow the rules you agreed to. Biden (under his breath) He never keeps his word.— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
This Chris Wallace question to Joe Biden is devastating in that it shows the VP hasn't even appealed to Democrats to help quell the civil unrest.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
“Proud Boys, stand down and standby.” – Trump #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Trump – by the end of the first term I’ll have 300 federal court judges. (Highlighting what makes his supporters overlook the other stuff.)
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
To Biden – you have never called for leaders in Portland to call in the National Guard. Biden – I am not in elective office.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden says he's against defunding police (right position). And it'll be used to hit his support in the base of the Democratic party.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden skips law and order to bring it back to covid. Makes sense — he's weak on law and order.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Trump: "Name one law enforcement group that supports you". Haymaker. Chris Wallace stepped in. Horrible moderating
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Does anybody remember Trump getting sued by the Justice Department for refusing to rent to black people? Joe, it’s there for the taking. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
President Trump has debated two people tonight.
Again.
Chris Wallace is an embarrassment.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Biden – people have to be made aware of how other people feel.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Do #Antifa and #BlackLivesMatter need to stand down? WHY is Chris Wallace asking president Trump?
Chris Wallace is asking the Republican president if the @TheDemocrats street thugs should stand down?
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
The GOP has lost the popular vote in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, & 2016. Just in case you forgot.
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Biden – there is systemic injustice in this country. He’ll solve it by … calling people to the White House to “work it out.”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump: "Seattle – we said we're coming in and they put up their hands – Seattle"
Finally – we get mentioned
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
They're both coming off badly now.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Will Chris Wallace ask @JoeBiden if he still thinks "police have become 'the enemy.'" ?
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Trump to Biden – you can’t even say the words law enforcement because you would lose all your radical left supporters.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
President Trump is DESTROYING Biden law & order.
"Police have become 'the enemy.'' – @JoeBiden talking about officers having to use armored protection in cities his party has destroyed.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Chris Wallace has lost all pretense of objectivity
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Joe, you’re falling for his trap. Get out your feelings and stay with that facts. #debates
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
I guess we’re learning why so many people have left the administration.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump’s inner talk show host is taking over.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Joe, you’re falling for his trap. Get out your feelings and stay with that facts. #debates
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Biden challenges that the economy was all that good pre-Covid. We have a higher deficit with China now than before (Trump doesn’t dispute that) and now we’re on to Hunter.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Biden cannot win on economic issues – this is pathetic.
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
“You’re the worst president America has ever had" – Biden #debates
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Joe just confirmed he's going to raise taxes on 82% of Americans. Not a great talking point
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
So, @JoeBiden is talking China
Is Chris Wallace going to ask Biden about China giving his son all this money?
Hey, Chris Wallace: so, Trump's tax returns are fair game, not China bribing Hunter?
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Name ONE aggressive question Chris Wallace has asked @JoeBiden about his family's long con.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
So, Chris Wallace pretends Trump tax returns is about the economy.
But, he has ZERO INTEREST in the incredible graft and sleaze of @JoeBiden's family selling access to Biden and Obama?
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden ridiculously claims schools are shut down because of @realDonaldTrump. Huh? Democratic governors aren't letting schools reopen.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Q to Biden – what about your proposed increase in taxes? It would create more jobs and another trillion dollars in growth. Trump asks why didn’t you do that under Obama (a little confusing since Biden’s talking about Trump’s tax cuts)
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Biden – you are the worst president America’s ever had.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Income tax: Wallace asks Trump is it true you paid $750 in those two years? He doesn’t answer, then says he paid “millions of dollars” in those years.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
"I have done more in 47 months than you did in 47 years."
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
“I don’t wanna pay tax”. – Trump
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
“I’m the one that brought back football. People are so proud of me.” – Trump
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
So, will Chris Wallace ask @JoeBiden about his son's tax returns?
Will he ask Joe Biden about HOW we went from $400k per year in income to $16 MILLION after he left office?
Will he ask about the hundreds of millions of dollars to his family from China and Russia?
NOPE.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Trump: "If you could've gotten the crowds, you would've done the same thing – but nobody cares"
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Trump is throwing a lot of body blows – will Biden bring his gloves down in the next 55-minutes? I'm wondering if Joe is vulnerable to a knockout?
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Joe, you had a “Herman Cain” lob that was set up for you with talks of rallies. #debates
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Please, PLEASE Mr. President have the data:
27 countries have schools opened: no deaths of school kids. None.
36,000 "positive 'Covid' cases" in colleges – ZERO hospitalizations.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Trump is almost always looking at Biden, while Biden seldom looks at him.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Biden: "Will he just shush for a moment"
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
NO – there have been NO increase in death rates.
Will Chris Wallace jump on @JoeBiden's lies?
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Even if you’re voting for Trump, you’re embarrassed be the way he’s acting. #debates
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Listen to our President tonight and ask yourself why our country is so divided? #Debate2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Trump – I hold big rallies because people want to hear what I have to say. And there’s been no problem. Biden observes that when an unmasked person approaches Trump, Trump backs up.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump: "Did you lose the word smart? There's nothing smart about you Joe"
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden: "there are millions of scientists… there are thousands of scientists…" Big diff Joe
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden looks at camera – “do you believe what he’s telling you with all the lies he’s told…”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
The President only cares about the Right. Can we have a President that cares about all of us. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
President Trump is like a 5th grader screaming at the PE teacher because he wants to use his ball. #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Joe? Will you pack the court? Chris Wallace: C'mon man – get an answer
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Trump is doing a lot of the pouty face, Biden is going with the dismissive smile.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump has no Healthcare plan. Period!!! #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden saying "he still doesn't have a plan" on coronavirus is just a horrible talking point. He complains about things Trump has done while also saying there's no plan.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Trump – If we would have listened to you millions would have died (referring to Biden criticizing China travel ban)
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
After telling Trump to "shut up" and a "clown," Biden calls Trump un-presidential.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Biden: "I'm not going to answer the question".and – "Will you just shut up man"
Wow – we're not learning anything – bit it's already the most entertaining debate ever
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Chris Wallace puts Joe Biden on the spot on packing the courts. Biden previously refused to discuss and he, again, refuses to answer. This is pathetic from Biden and just gave Trump a great and easy opening. #Debates2020
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden doesn't quite know how to take control of his own time. Trump knows how to overpower Biden. He won't even look at Trump.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Biden – recounts the number of deaths and Trump’s quote “It is what it is”, back to the refrain “the president has no plan”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Biden “Will you shut up man?”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump is an embarrassment to our country!! #Debates2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Trump is name calling. You want that for your President? #BidenHarris2020
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Biden – he has no plan for healthcare. Like almost everything else he talks about.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
This is crazy – never seen anything like this!! Trump came out to confuse Joe. It's working.
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Biden – “Everybody knows he’s a liar”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump can’t answer the question cause he still has no Healthcare plan. #BidenHarrisToSaveAmerica
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 30, 2020
Let's get ready to rummmmmblleeee
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Wallace asks for Trump’s health plan and he quickly tries to change the subject.
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Joe: "It's on the ballots in the courts". Bad start
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
ObamaCare defined:
Forcing people to buy products they don't want from companies they don't like at prices they cannot afford for services they will never need.
It was written by insurance companies. Their profits skyrocketed.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
You know, @JoeBiden, government-run cannot help conditions like The Covid Flu, that would put the chief liar, Tony Fauci in charge of everything.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
Biden “I am the Democratic party right now!”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
Trump lands early haymakers. Joe laughs
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Trump lands early haymakers. Joe laughs
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
President Trump is exactly right, the Left demands government-medicine-for-all.
— Todd Ξ Herman (Parler: ToddEHerman) (@toddeherman) September 30, 2020
"The party is me!" -Joe Biden
"Not according to Harris." -Trump— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Joe loses question one: the people had a say on the prez and the senate – Trump and GOP won. They're still in power. Trump wins right out of the block
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
President Trump tying — rightly — Joe Biden to socialism early on. "Your party wants to go to Socialism!"
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
You can see Joe Biden struggling a TAD early on trying to find some words… had some stumbles. Fair to point this out this early? Not normally. But there are serious and legitimate concerns about his ability to perform as President.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Joe Biden says Americans have the right to have a say in who the SCOTUS nominee is. He even mentions that they get to vote for Senators to express their view.
Except: we had an election. Senate and WH belong to Republicans. #Debates2020
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
An early surprise: Debate will be scored on the ten-point-must system. Three knockdown rule IS in effect
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Trump goes on the attack and mentions “socialism”
— Dave Ross (@thedaveross) September 30, 2020
No booing from the audience? Boooo! #Debates2020
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
So does Joe Biden play "Despacito" again or perhaps we get something more focused on OH?
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 30, 2020
Tricky question for #Trump in upcoming debate: "Do you believe it's fair for wealthy businessmen like you to pay less in federal taxes than bus drivers or school teachers? If it's not fair, would you help fix the tax system to make sure the super-rich pay their fair share?"
— Michael Medved (@MedvedSHOW) September 30, 2020
My debate tweets will be on about a 15-second delay – because they will all be fed to me by my team through my earpiece
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Tricky question for #Biden in upcoming debate: "For 4 months, big cities have been disrupted by demonstrations against racism. Would you like to see those protests continue under your presidency? If not, what would you do to try to satisfy the protesters?"
— Michael Medved (@MedvedSHOW) September 30, 2020
I need help. What – and who – should I compare tonight's debate to?
-Balboa/Drago?
-McClane/Gruber?
-Huskies/Cougars?Or do you have something better? Please advise…
— Dori Monson (@dorimonson) September 30, 2020
Yeah you ready fam https://t.co/KuCX2WcnhX
— Gee Scott🎙 (@GeeScottSr) September 29, 2020
Tonight at 6pm, @770KTTH is live and commercial-free for debate coverage as @realDonaldTrump takes on Joe Biden. Tune in live in the car, on your radio, on your smart speaker, or on our app! pic.twitter.com/MuZ1HcCMIH
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 29, 2020
