[The Editors' Verdict] "Zombie" vs. "Fraud": An Unprecedented Showdown of Haters

Biden and Trump First TV Debate on 27th
90-Minute Verbal Battle with Only Pen and Paper
Intense Focus on Whether Age Controversy Will Be Dispelled

"Biden is the dumbest leader in the world. He should take aptitude tests, IQ tests, and cognitive ability tests." (Former U.S. President Donald Trump)

"Trump lost to me twice in the 2020 debates. Now he is acting like he wants to debate again." (U.S. President Joe Biden)

The first TV debate between U.S. presidential candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is scheduled for the 27th local time. It is expected to be a 90-minute fierce battle where they face off 'bare-handed' without the help of aides or prior materials. The only items the two candidates can bring into the debate hall are a pen, blank paper, and a bottle of water. Bringing speech scripts or notes to check figures is prohibited.

This debate is the first TV debate ahead of the November presidential election and the first public debate between the two since October 2020. According to detailed rules released by CNN on the 15th (local time), the first TV debate between a current and former president will be held in a studio without an audience, with only the moderator standing between the two candidates on the stage.

From the perspective of President Biden, 81, and former President Trump, 78, this debate will be an optimal opportunity to dispel concerns about their advanced age. Both must rely solely on their memory and experience. Also, since they must stand throughout the 90-minute debate, it will be a test of both memory and stamina. Aside from short breaks during two commercial breaks, contact with aides is not allowed.

Locally, there are also sarcastic remarks calling it a battle between a 'zombie' and a 'fraud.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The 'zombie' refers to President Biden. Former President Trump recently attended his 78th birthday party hosted by his fan club and said Biden, who is three years older, is "too old to be re-elected." Targeting a video showing Biden seemingly leaving his seat alone at the G7 summit held in Italy, Trump also said he "wanders around like a brain-dead zombie."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, President Biden’s side fired back, calling former President Trump a 'fraud.' On Trump’s birthday, they released on social media 78 'achievements' including a guilty verdict in a 'sexual misconduct hush money' case and incitement of the Capitol riot. They mocked, "Donald, happy birthday. You are a fraud, a failure, a con artist, and a threat to democracy, the economy, rights, and the future," adding, "Our early gift for your 79th birthday is to make sure you never become president again."

Meanwhile, a survey revealed that one in four Americans finds both candidates 'unfavorable.' The Pew Research Center, the survey organization, explained, "This is the most disliked bipartisan candidate lineup in at least 30 years." The debate is expected to be a historic showdown of 'double haters.' Unlike the increasingly fierce presidential race, attention is focused on how this unprecedented level of mutual dislike will affect the election.

One hope is to see in our country’s future presidential elections candidates come to debates with nothing but a pen and a sheet of paper, engaging in heated discussions without any prepared materials. In the U.S., even elderly candidates close to or over 80 do this to demonstrate they are better prepared. If the phrase "What if you don’t know?" is repeated again, it would be nothing but a farce.