September 29, 2020, the nation came to a halt in the midst of the most unprofessional Presidential debate in American history- eight days later, Twitter labeled a fly as the winner of the Vice-Presidential debate. 

Beginning with the Presidential debate on September 29, Donald Trump and former Vice-President Joe Biden battled in a debate to remember. 

The first question about the controversial nomination of Amy Coney Barrett led to an overlapping argument that soon spiraled to the Affordable Care Act and “banning China”.

Loretto Academy government and economics teacher and graduate from Texas Tech School of Law, Mr. Gad said, “These debates are a new low and there is not even any kind of real facade or charm left.”

After Trump claimed to be debating with moderator Chris Wallace, interrupting arguments from both sides led to Trump antagonizing Biden’s son Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015 and was in the military, earning a Bronze Star- this left a negative mark on viewers.

Mr. Gad said, “Hopefully, people now see the problems of a two-party system and the consequences of following a candidate merely because their preferred party has spoken.”

Later, Trump refused to denounce white supremacy, telling a far-right group- known as the “Proud Boys” to “Stand back and stand by.”

The debate then shifted to arguments about climate change and the need to vote.

Starting with climate change, Trump blamed the devastating California wildfires on the lack of “forest management”.

In Biden’s response, he claimed to not support the Green New Deal, although his campaign website lists the climate bill as “critical framework” for his plan.

During a call for Americans to vote this November, Donald Trump branched off into a rant about ballots being found in rivers and trash cans and the possibility of this election being fraudulent. 

Joe Biden urged Americans to go out and vote November 3 to avoid another four years of the Trump administration.

Eight days later on September 7, Americans anticipated another dishonorable debate, only to met with unanswered questions and a fly.

While the debate began with the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Pence offered his condolences to the families of the victims, while claiming that the Trump administration has responded to the pandemic in the best way possible.

Senator Harris responded to this by mentioning the failure of the current administration that has led to over 215,000 COVID-19 deaths, and highest unemployment rates and poorest economy since the Great Depression.

As both argued over taxing, Trump’s lack of tax returns, and climate change, Pence shifted to a tone that interrupted Sen. Harris, attempting to return to old topics, such as Soleimani and the Middle East. 

One of the biggest points that came across from voters was when a question over Breonna Taylor’s murder led Pence to support police officers and claim that the justice system is fair. 

Towards the end of the debate, a fly stole the show, as it landed on Pence’s white hair for a recorded two minutes and three seconds, letting viewers storm to Twitter and make #Fly2020 trending nationally. 

Key takeaways from each candidate is that Trump mercilessly attacks the left, Biden battles for moments without interruption, Harris offers plans and an agenda, and Pence doesn’t see the fly.

As the nation battles over race tensions, healthcare protections, and a pandemic, citizens tuned into two debates that set the standard for politics in 2020.