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In the course of their political journey, both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have garnered substantial attention for their public demeanor, oratory skills, and handling of challenging situations. Notably, during their respective tenures, Trump has been observed dodging a broad range of questions while Biden has displayed struggles on stage at various instances.
Trump, a seasoned businessman before plunging into politics, was noted for his evasiveness on numerous occasions during his presidency. He tended to use a variety of techniques to deflect or sidestep questions that he deemed problematic, perhaps taking a leaf from the strategies often used in the cut-throat world of business.
One example occurred during the presidential conference on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A reporter questioned the then-President about the government’s preparedness, to which Trump responded with a counter-question, shifting the conversation away from the original issue. He was always quick on his feet, reacting to difficult queries with questions of his own or drawing attention toward his achievements instead.
There were also instances where he resorted to personal attacks on the questioners. Journalists, who asked him daunting questions, were often targeted with labels such as fake news or were accused of being unfair. These responses, rather than addressing the concerns raised, effectively shifted the discourse away from the questions at hand.
In contrast, President Biden, a career politician with ample experience in public service, has been seen struggling on stage. Despite his decades of experience, he has attracted criticism for his gaffes, stumbles, and misstatements, which seem to be symptomatic of the pressure of public life.
One notable instance happened during a campaign event, where Biden seemed to lose track of his thoughts midway through responding to a question. Despite having a written note, he fumbled, leading to an awkward pause before he could regain his coherence. This episode gave rise to speculation about his health and cognitive abilities.
Additionally, his performance during the presidential debates painted a similar picture. His responses have sometimes been characterized as weak, verbose, and lacking in clarity. He has also struggled with names and dates on multiple occasions, leading to further criticism.
However, it’s crucial to understand that both these leaders with vastly different styles had and have the daunting task of leading one of the most influential countries globally. The pressure of incessantly being under the public eye and the expectation of perfection can be extraordinarily challenging. Hence, their respective communicative strategies reflect not just their individual personalities
