This time around, the debate was more fair and intelligible. However, it was no less misleading and disingenuous as the first.

The moderator seemed to have a better handle over the candidates, and maintained decorum.

Here are a few highlights:

Healthcare

Biden reiterated that he is for affordable health care that continues to cover pre-existing conditions—improving on Obamacare.

Trump continues to advocate for replacing Obamacare with another plan that still covers pre-existing conditions. He has not revealed a plan to do so.

Child separation at Border

Over 500 children have been separated from their parents at the U.S./Mexico border.

Trump claims that many of the children separated at the border were brought over by “coyotes” and cartels. He said the administration is working on reuniting the children with their parents.

Biden said the children came from their parents, not from “coyotes”. He said the policy was meant to be a disincentive for families to cross the border illegally. Now the parents can’t be found, and the children are left in the hands of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

COVID-19

Over 40,000 Americans are hospitalized with COVID-19, over 220,000 have died from the virus.

Trump claims the U.S. is “rounding the corner” on the virus, and “we’re learning to live with it”. He mentioned “Operation Warpspeed” which is a plan that includes the expedient delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Americans. He touted his recovery from the virus as a sign of quick recovery.

Biden warned COVID-19 could get worse as the U.S. is approaching winter, and that “we’re learning to die with it”. He criticized Trump for not having a comprehensive plan and trying to rush reopening. He promises a plan to guide the U.S. out of the scourge of the virus.

Racism

Trump claimed he was “the least racist person” and compared himself to Abraham Lincoln when saying he’s done more for Black people than any president in history. He continued to downplay the seriousness of systemic racism.

He attacked Biden on the 1994 “Crime Bill” Biden wrote as senator. This bill contributed to the rise in mass incarceration.

Biden acknowledged the seriousness of systemic racism, recognizing the treatment disparities by the police based on race. He advocated for better healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.

He also brought up Trump’s press release, calling for the death penalty for the Central Park 5.

Overall, it was not as asinine as the first debate. There were still issues when it came to inconsistencies and half-truths.

Stay tuned for Election Night.