The latest CNN presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in Atlanta, Georgia, has generated intense reactions from international media, portraying the event as a theatrical spectacle rather than a serious political discourse.
In Russia, the reaction to Joe Biden’s debate performance was overwhelmingly negative. Russian state-owned media, such as Channel One and Rossiya 1, anticipated that Biden would struggle to maintain his composure. After the debate, pro-Kremlin commentators labeled Biden’s performance a "total failure," with the military blog Rybar echoing similar sentiments. The Russia in Global Affairs magazine expressed concerns over Biden’s physical and mental fitness to lead the country, and Rossiya 1 highlighted Trump’s criticisms of Biden’s handling of the Ukraine war, further questioning Biden's capacity to govern.
Chinese media approached the debate with a mix of satire and skepticism, often comparing it to a reality show. The state-owned Global Times highlighted the lack of a handshake and the personal attacks between the candidates, emphasizing the theatrics over substantive policy discussion. Chinese outlets portrayed the debate as indicative of widespread apathy and frustration among US voters. The focus was on both candidates' age and verbal missteps, with Trump criticized for lying and Biden for mumbling. Social media in China buzzed with concerns about America's future, reflecting a broader narrative of division and decline in US society.
In India, the debate was framed as a high-stakes clash with significant implications for the ongoing campaign. The Hindustan Times noted Biden’s "shaky" performance and highlighted Trump’s aggression, particularly during discussions on immigration. NDTV picked up on Trump’s claim that Biden was "paid by China," while Firstpost observed that climate change discussions included mentions of India and China. Despite the heated debate, Indian media generally suggested that the outcome of the US election would not drastically alter India-US relations, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rapport with both candidates.
Israeli media focused on Biden’s perceived weakness, particularly in relation to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Trump’s claim that the Hamas-led attack on Israel would not have happened under his presidency resonated with Israeli commentators. Barak Ravid of the Walla news site and Ron Ben-Yishai of Ynet both criticized Biden for being unfocused and allowing Trump to position himself as a stronger supporter of Israel. The prospect of a second Trump presidency was seen as likely, with some elements in Israel viewing it favorably.
Latin American media were captivated by the debate's tension, with many pundits highlighting Trump’s success in raising doubts about Biden’s age and competence. Brazil’s Folha de Sao Paulo and O Estado de S. Paulo, along with Argentina’s La Nacion, noted Biden’s "hesitant and confused" performance, suggesting it could alter the election dynamics. Mexican journalist Leon Krauze and Colombia’s El Tiempo echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the insults and lack of substantive proposals from both candidates.
In Mexico, the debate’s focus on immigration drew significant attention. Left-wing daily La Jornada highlighted the contentious exchanges, while Reforma and Proceso centered on Trump’s harsh criticism of Biden’s immigration policies. Trump’s description of the US as a "nest of rats" due to alleged criminal activity by migrants was a focal point in Mexican coverage.
Turkish media criticized Biden’s debate performance as poor and disastrous, with Hurriyet and Milliyet highlighting his difficulties in responding to questions and Trump’s misinformation. Veteran journalist Murat Yetkin questioned the overall quality of the debate, and academic Hilmi Bolatoglu suggested Biden’s performance indicated a potential Trump victory, signaling a "new Trump era."
The international media’s reaction to the Trump-Biden debate reflects a global fascination with US politics, marked by skepticism, criticism, and varied interpretations. While Biden faced harsh reviews for his performance, Trump’s aggressive style also drew significant scrutiny, underscoring the polarized nature of both the debate and the broader political landscape.
