Amok!!

"There is no better demonstration of how far US politics has drifted from any moorings of civility."

Trump ran amok at the first presidential debate. He bullied a weak-looking Biden and didn't hesitate to take on the moderator, who struggled to contain an insult filled session. Most of that vitriol coming from Trump.

The impression was of an unedifying mess dominated by Trump's antics. There is no better demonstration of how far US politics has drifted from any moorings of civility. Already the Twitter-sphere is full of comments: 'a shit show, a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck' captures the sentiment.

Chris Wallace, the moderator, tried to reign in Trump's constant interruptions, reminding him of the rules. It didn't work. At once, Trump pivoted claiming Biden had interrupted him, and yes he had, but not regularly. The venue looked like a schoolyard with a petulant toddler in full tantrum mood "But Joe pushed me first!" Already Wallace is taking flak; but, it's hard to see how anyone could attain control short of shutting off the mikes. 
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Trump opted to play nasty by evoking rumours about Biden's son. A visibly hurt Biden admitted his son had 'drug issues, but was making progress.' I suspect that short exchange earned Biden credit, while Trump came across as spiteful. 

Throughout Trump delivered his points with confidence, vim and didn't give an inch. In comparison, Biden was low-energy, plodding and looked flustered at times. 

No doubt the fact-checkers are hard at work assessing the details. We will need to wait but in a way none of that matters. It's the optics of debate that will sway opinion. On that score, Biden looked feeble next to Trump's chest-beating alpha-male. 

Yet, the question is, did Trump overplay his hand? No doubt he won the 'street-fight', but has he inadvertently created sympathy for Biden that could translate to votes? Doubtless Trump's base will love his performance; it's the swing voters who may demur. More to come.