Monday 17 June 2024

BIDEN v. PUTIN - THE GREAT DEBATE

17 June 2024

A talk show host has organised a debate between the presidents Biden and Putin. The debate centres on 10 issues that each can decide for the other side.

Here is a transcription of the debate.

There are 100 members of the audience who will vote on who gave the best answers.

1. Opening Statements

Biden:
- Emphasises the importance of democratic values.
- Criticises Russia's actions in Ukraine.
- Stresses the importance of international cooperation.

Putin:
- Highlights Russia's sovereignty and non-interference.
- Criticises NATO's expansion.
- Stresses the need for a multipolar world order.

2. Democracy and Governance

Biden:
- Why does Russia suppress opposition and independent media?

Putin:
- Asserts that Russia ensures stability and counters foreign interference.
- States he has overwhelming support of the Russian people.
- Claims Western countries also limit dissent in various ways.

Putin:
- Why does the US impose its democratic model on other nations?

Biden:
- Argues that the US supports universal human rights and freedom.
- States the importance of supporting democratic movements globally.

3. International Relations

Biden:
- Why did Russia annex Crimea?

Putin:
- Claims it was a response to the will of the Crimean people, seeking protection after eight years of bombing and denial of equal rights by Kiev regime.
- Criticises Western involvement in Ukraine.

Putin:
- Why does the US engage in military interventions abroad?

Biden:
- States it’s to maintain global security, keep maritime trade routes open and protect human rights.
- Argues for the need to counter terrorism and oppressive regimes.

4. Economic Policies

Biden:
- Why does Russia rely heavily on state-controlled industries?

Putin:
- Argues it ensures national security and economic stability.
- Criticises the failures of privatisation in the 1990s.

Putin:
- Why does the US impose economic sanctions on other countries?

Biden:
- States it’s a non-military tool to influence rogue states.
- Argues sanctions target oppressive regimes and promote international norms.

5. Human Rights

Biden:
- Why does Russia target LGBTQ+ individuals and activists?

Putin:
- Claims it's about preserving traditional values.
- Argues that Western liberalism is not universally accepted.

Putin:
- Why does the US have issues with racial inequality and police violence?

Biden:
- Acknowledges the problems and highlights ongoing reforms.
- Emphasises the strength of American civil society in addressing these issues.

6. Military Expansion

Biden:
- Why is Russia building up its military presence near NATO borders?

Putin:
- Argues it’s a defensive measure against NATO expansion.
- Criticises NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.

Putin:
- Why does the US maintain military bases around the world?

Biden:
- States it’s to ensure global security and protect allies.
- Argues that American military presence deters aggression.

7. Climate Change

Biden:
- Why is Russia slow to adopt renewable energy sources?

Putin:
- States that Russia is diversifying its energy mix.
- Criticises Western countries’ historical emissions.

Putin:
- Why did the US initially withdraw from the Paris Agreement?

Biden:
- Acknowledges the mistake and reaffirms commitment to climate action.
- Stresses the need for global cooperation on climate change.

8. Cybersecurity

Biden:
- Why does Russia engage in cyber-attacks against other nations?

Putin:
- Denies state involvement in cyber-attacks.
- Criticises Western countries for similar activities.

Putin:
- Why does the US conduct surveillance on its own citizens and allies?

Biden:
- States it’s for national security and counter-terrorism.
- Emphasises the oversight and legal frameworks in place.

9. Global Health

Biden:
- Why did Russia spread disinformation about COVID-19 vaccines?

Putin:
- Denies disinformation campaigns.
- Criticises Western vaccine policies and intellectual property rights.

Putin:
- Why did the US initially mishandle the COVID-19 pandemic?

Biden:
- Acknowledges early mistakes and highlights subsequent efforts.
- Stresses the importance of science-based policies and global cooperation.

10. Nuclear Proliferation

Biden:
- Why does Russia oppose stricter controls on nuclear weapons?

Putin:
- Argues for maintaining strategic balance.
- Criticises the US for undermining arms control treaties.

Putin:
- Why does the US continue to develop advanced nuclear weapons?

Biden:
- States it’s for deterrence and maintaining global security.
- Emphasises the need for modernising defences while supporting arms control.

11. Closing Statements

Biden:
- Reaffirms commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.
- Stresses the importance of human rights and global security.

Putin:
- Highlights Russia’s sovereignty and non-interference.
- Criticises Western double standards and emphasises a multipolar world.

12. Audience Vote

- Audience votes: 100 members

Final Scores:

Biden:
- Votes: 46
- Strong points: Human rights, global cooperation, democracy

Putin:
- Votes: 54
- Strong points: Sovereignty, multi-polarity, critique of Western policies

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