Tuesday night’s debate in Cleveland left many Michigan voters exhausted, feeling as though they didn’t get to hear enough about the issues.
Regardless of which candidate you back, or if you’re undecided, the general consensus: Tuesday night was exhausting.
It was often hard to hear either candidate and even Chris Wallace, the moderator, had trouble quieting each politician.
At times both candidates, but moreso President Trump, continued to interrupt, with Biden, telling Trump to "shut up" at one point.
“Mr. President… I’m the moderator of this debate, and I would like you to let me ask my question," said Wallace.
Voters hoping to hear President Trump and his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden discuss specific policy plans and key issues were likely frustrated Tuesday night — hearing a lot more bickering during the first presidential debate.
Describe last night's #PresidentialDebate in a word or a phrase. Janice Murff of Clinton Township says it was exhausting to watch. I asked if the debate swayed her one way or the other. Take a listen @wxyzdetroit #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/FzroNSb1L4
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) September 30, 2020
Undecided Detroit voter, raised in Oakland County, Andrew Rodney says he didn’t get much clarity from the Cleveland debate, which focused on six key issues ranging from the Supreme Court vacancy, to COVID-19, the economy, and racism and violence in the United States.
“I don’t think that either of them presented any kind of plan or specific detail," said Rodney.
Rodney, who told 7 Action News Tuesday night he’s likely to vote third party in November, said overall, President Trump fared worse in the first debate.
"When you watch him, he’s just not what you’d hope for in terms of someone who has to lead a long-term policy," said Rodney. "My opinion of him is worse, I would say, for having watched these debates.”
Thousands of comments rolled in from Channel 7 viewers, many of them frustrated with the amount of bickering between the candidates.
Amanda says: "Next debate, sound proof boxes and the moderator geta switch to allow candidates to talk."
Dominqiue writes: “This is exhausting! You can’t even hear the moderator speak.”
And Daphne says: "Don't talk about others! Tell us about you, and what you plan to do."
Not surprisingly, in the local and state political spheres, the night was judged differently by members of each party.
“President showed he was strong and forceful tonight and Biden doesn’t have the energy," said Rocky Raczkowski, Oakland County GOP Chair.
“I’m very sad… this kind of belittling one’s opponent, and name calling," said Democratic Congressman Andy Levin, representing Royal Oak.
Michigan was mentioned briefly by both candidates Tuesday night — speaking on the economy and the auto industry.
This, one of several key battleground states both the president and Joe Biden are eyeing, with President Trump winning Michigan by a slim slim margin in 2016.
And possibly three percent of Michigan voters remain undecided right now, making these debates crucial for each candidate. Based on expert analysis and more importantly, the voters — both came up short Tuesday night.
Both the president and Biden are scheduled for two more debates next month.
