Around here in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capitol of the World,” even if you don’t own a horse, you know they “walk, trot, canter, gallop.” But they actually have more gaits. Is Gish Gallop one of ‘em? No, it’s a professional term for a devastating debate technique.
It slams opponents with one statement after another, talking as fast as possible, with no “regard for accuracy, validity or relevance…” It’s what Donald Trump did in last month’s presidential debate, spewing lies and falsehoods like a machine gun. CNN’S fact checker reported he made “more than 30 false claims,” battering Joe Biden with “outright lies” one after another as fast as he could. Some examples: He said Democratic-led states allow babies to be executed at birth, even killing them in the 8th month of pregnancy (before birth at 9 months); that every legal scholar and everybody in general wanted Roe v. Wade overturned; that there were no terror attacks during his presidency; that Biden called Black people “super predators” for years; and that Biden would quadruple taxes and eliminate social security.
CNN’S fact checker reported Biden made “at least 9” false or misleading statements, mumbling and hesitating when it was his turn to speak. Some examples: He was wrong when he said he reduced the cost of insulin to “$15 a shot,” down from $400, wrong when he claimed border crossings under his administration were lower than under Trump’s administration, and wrong when he said the unemployment rate was 15% when he took office.
Factcheck.org has a comprehensive list of the statements they made during the debate, with facts that correct the lies and misleading remarks so you can easily compare them.
What do I think? I’m a Bandera resident and proud Texan. I was born in Houston. I have lived in Texas most of my life after living at times in Mexico, New York, Italy, Louisiana, Switzerland and California. I’m 85 years old, still writing articles for national websites.
I ‘m a retired reporter dedicated to covering both sides of stories. I’m the co-author of 2 nationally published books and the sole author of a third. When I compare both candidates for our next president, I believe only one is fit to hold that office – Joe Biden.
Joe Biden has served this nation for 52 years. At age 29, he was elected U.S. Senator in Delaware and was re-elected six times before becoming our vice president and then our president. He is a devout Catholic dedicated to helping the people of this nation as his record in office clearly shows.
Donald Trump is a failed business man whose companies were sued more than 4,000 times over 30 years. He is a convicted criminal facing more trials, who stole donations from his charitable foundation to pay his personal bills. He’s laughed publicly about grabbing women in the crotch. He’s said to have cheated on his three wives. He’s dedicated to becoming president for power, personal gain and revenge.
Jodie Sinclair is an award-winning writer who holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and resides in Bandera, Texas.
