Photo/Illutration U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden exchange barbs during the first U.S. presidential debate on Sept. 29 at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/ Pool)

In Finland where logical thinking is heavily emphasized in education, one of the most frequently asked questions in primary school classrooms is "Why?"

It is only natural, then, that every pupil who gives their opinion must state their reasons for it, according to "Zukai Finrando Mesoddo Nyumon" (Illustrated introduction to the Finnish method), by former diplomat Tatsuo Kitagawa.

The book explains the "rules of debate" established by the children themselves. "Do not interrupt while someone is speaking" is one. Another is, "Do not say anything that will ruin the debate."

These are nothing more than matters of common sense. But they were brazenly disregarded during the first presidential debate of 2020 in the United States.

President Donald Trump of the Republican Party repeatedly cut in aggressively while his challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party, was speaking. And in his relentless attack, Trump stuck labels such as "socialism" and "the radical left" to Biden's arguments.

Nor did Trump even bother to listen to moderator Chris Wallace's questions.

The candidates' exchanges devolved into an ugly tit-for-tat, with Biden eventually telling Trump off, "Will you just shut up, man?" and, "You are the worst president America has ever had."

It was a verbal brawl, not a debate.

Needing to get rid of the foul post-debate aftertaste, I went online in search of video footage of past presidential debates. I was relieved when I came across a candidate stating rationally to the effect, "I agree with your policy on this point, but not on that one."

I worry that people who were disgusted by Trump's behavior may start seeing politicians at large in the same light. Another fear is for people coming to scorn the presidential debate itself, instead of trying to make it normal again.

The world is watching where American democracy is going.

Biden stated unequivocally that he would accept the results of the election. But Trump did not, and that points to the possibility of the president refusing to concede and starting a lengthy court battle.

I just pray there will be no brawl outside the arena that will eclipse the election returns.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 1

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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