The Debate Debate: Do Biden or Trump Use Performance Enhancing Drugs?
Whatever the accusations, the use of stimulants can be deduced. Here’s what to look for.
Political pundits claim that in our modern era, televised political debates are unlikely to sway elections. Yet millions seem prepared to spend 90 minutes this week watching two elderly, familiar, politicians make the case for who should be president for the next four years.
Each candidate has been accused by partisans of not being mentally competent for the job. Neither side has provided detailed health or mental health information about their candidate. Amid accusations that one or both men might use drugs to enhance their debate performance, how is the audience to interpret what they see or hear on stage?
Fortunately, the performance-enhancing drugs most likely to be used produce observable, physiologic responses. Evidence indicates that one of the candidates has consumed such medications on several occasions. Understanding how stimulants affect the body will make you a better informed observer on debate night.
The debate about debates
Some historians claim that debates have little impact on the US electorate, and that the most they are likely to achieve is…
