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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