The election season has seen the gradual subduing of the ‘Trump Streak’. The President’s body language is revealing more than it should.
It seems that President Donald Trump has been working on subduing his image. From his volatile and controversial self, transcended into an image of calm and restraint at the final Presidential debate. This could be his surprise weapon to land a second term or it just might be a President bowing out without one last twist. 2020 has been a challenging year, particularly for Trump. The United States is the worst hit country by the pandemic, and the initial outbreak was followed by waves of unemployment and economic depression. The year also saw the biggest anti-racism protests in decades. And all through the chaos, the spotlight has stayed fixed on Trump. And Trust continued his trademark antics, downplaying an emergency, peddling fake news and polarizing voters. However, over six months of chasing Joe Biden seems to have finally defeated Trump. The sore sense of departure from the White House seems to have caught on, as latest opinion polls predict an also certain Biden win.
Watch: Trump’s Body Language Suggests He Has Given Up
So, with the odds stacked against him, what could one expect as Trump’s response? America sat down to watch a blazing, all-out attack. However, it never got to see the Trump sub-genre of reality TV that has intoxicated it all these years. Instead, we now know that the President has been listening to his advisors and trying to subdue himself. This means less controversial comments, fewer blame games and a cap on ‘Trump’ in general, and was widely visible on in Tennessee.
From his volatile and controversial self, transcended into an image of calm and restraint at the final Presidential debate.
The Final Showdown
Donald Trump and Joe Biden got in their final arguments on Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee. The final debate was crucial as it would be the last chance to see the candidates with their guards down, less than two weeks before election day. They discussed coronavirus, foreign policy, the US economy, racism, climate change, oil and more during the ninety-minute event. The debate did see some blame game where Trump criticized his opponent for not acting on multiple Democratic proposals during his time as Obama’s Vice President. “You will have a depression the likes of which you’ve never seen” if Biden is elected, Trump claimed, while also accusing the Democrats of hampering the economy.
Biden, in turn, blasted Trump on his pandemic response. “Anyone who is responsible for that many deaths should not remain as President of the United States of America,” he said at one point. “I will take care of this. I will end this. I will make sure we have a plan.”
Where Is The Real Donald?
The debate was a huge embarrassment for Trump’s supporters. He appeared less intrusive and somewhat in control of his emotions. Trump got his best arguments in line, talked directly even to the electorate that falls outside his base. He was surprisingly selective in his attacks on Biden – from Hunter to China and his activities during his time in the White House as former VP. Trump was shrewd enough to not overplay his card, and experts believe the attacks from the final debate could play a big part in swaying undecided voters, even Democrats.
The debate was a huge embarrassment for Trump’s supporters. He appeared less intrusive and more in control of his emotions.
Despite his calculated remarks, Trump was still very defensive about his immigration policies and handling of the pandemic. Perhaps the only moment where we saw a glimpse of the real Donald Trump was when he ended up saying “I am the least racist person in this room”. Far more restrained than earlier, it might be a sign of shrinking conservative voter base and an active move by the GOP to ask the President to tone down and be more universally acceptable.
Trump’s calmer approach might be a sign of the shrinking conservative base and an active move by the GOP to ask the President to be more universally acceptable.
So, Who’s Winning?
Indeed, the final Presidential Debate of 2020 was not Trump’s to win but Biden’s to lose. In fact, analysts in unison were somewhat disappointed in Biden for a lackluster performance where he seemed a little reluctant, vague and even evasive when cornered by an able moderator in Kristen Welker. On the other hand, no one expected Trump to even have a minutes serious discourse on policies or issues of importance. Proving everybody wrong, the President came across as open to giving voters some serious food for thought.
The final Presidential Debate of 2020 was not Trump’s to win but Biden’s to lose.
One has to look back at 2016 when Trump triumphed over Hillary Clinton, against all odds. He was up against a seasoned politician with decades of administrative experience. Many believe that Trump got the better of Clinton due to his utter disregard for the status quo and stating facts in contexts he deems fit i.e. the post truth way. His rhetoric blessed him with a rabid fanbase. The kind that can give just enough push a Presidential candidate needs to win.
Trump won in 2016 due to his utter disregard for the status quo and stating facts in contexts he deems fit i.e. the post truth way.
On school of analysts thinks that the President fumbled in the last debate trying to play a subtle game which his innate style, arguably, doesn’t permit. The other half believes that his calmer demeanor added an extra dimension to his controversial and loud, a dimension many undecided voters had been looking out for.
So, did Trump lose out on his last chance to change the game? Or will with his changed body language prove to be the ‘Trump’ card?
