Yes…I actually prefer this structure with no audience, microphones cut off, etc. Somehow over the years I think debates had become more about spectacle and less about substance. They should do it this way for future political debates in my opinion.
One factor to consider is that of audience feedback.
And I am in no way saying that Trump didn't kill it in the debate and Biden fail miserably.
Trump gets HIGH off the adulation and feedback of the crowd. And gets carried away and exhibits classic ADHD verbal diarrhea. So when he didn't have that feedback, and had some Come-Jesus-Moment coaching, he didn't go off in lunatic rants. Although lying as usual, he presented very well and canme across as sincere and "Presidential".
Joe on the other hand, evidently needs that human interaction/feedback to get his energy. He looked like a deer in the headlights looking around aimlessly and had "Resting Idiot Face" when not speaking.
I also think that Biden may have been overly coached to go on attack mode in a way that was not authentic to what his authentic candid responses may be. For example. In response to whatever the first question was, Joe went off on a rapid fire, anti-Trump diatribe and tried to point out every single fault and transgression of Trump. Yet didn't answer the question!
That is not like Biden to my impression of him over the years. When commenting on Israel
for example, he may go off and blame Hamas for the recent attacks etc, but he doesn't normally go off on other arab/muslim transgressions.
(I am only using this as. an example...NOT commenting on his actual position... just as an example of his ability to stay relatively on the direct question.)
So, when Joe has to perform for a camera lens, and has also been coached and rehearsed for the weekend to make sure he goes on the attack on every one of these x,y,z points... I think that works against him.
I also think that that lack of audience feedback also was beneficial to Trump so he didn't get that adrenaline high that causes his incoherent rants and episodes. That often lead to him mis-speaking words or names in the rush of the moment.
One excuse that I might make for old Joe is that one bad night of sleep can really fuck you up. Especially as you get older. And especially if you've had a stressful week with other bad sleeps.
All the more reason to consider age limits in certain fields when you are dealing with the public. Wisdom can overcome much of the performance advantage of youth. But only to a point in some areas.
Too bad there were only these two choices in the US