Trump and Biden trade insults in chaotic debate

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and his challenger Joe Biden have fiercely clashed in one of the most chaotic and bitter White House debates in years.

Trump frequently interrupted, prompting Biden to tell him to “shut up” as the two fought over the pandemic, healthcare and the economy.

The US president was challenged over white supremacist support and refused to condemn a specific far-right group.

Opinion polls suggest Biden has a steady singledigit lead over Trump. But with 35 days until election day, surveys from several important states show a closer contest.

Overall, the 90-minute debate in Cleveland, Ohio, was light on serious policy discussion. Both candidates talked over each other but

Trump cut in some 73 times, according to a count by CBS News.

Down in the opinion polls with five weeks to go until the November election, Trump sought to use the first presidential debate to bully his way back into the race.

It was unlikely the president succeeded, largely because of his own combative and chaotic behaviour but also because the insult-filled and often fact-free affair may have left the few undecided voters watching at home more dispirited than engaged.

“It’s doubtful that this mentally exhausting debate changed any minds,” said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist in Washington who advised Trump’s 2016 transition team. “Each side walked away with something, but the shock of the personal attacks against one another probably turned many people off.“

Trump drew raves from some diehard supporters for his show of aggression toward Biden. But he spent little time attempting to persuade swing voters, particularly women who have been critical of his tone and tactics, that he is the candidate best suited to tackle fundamental election issues such as the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare and race relations. – BBC/REUTERS.