Grand Canyon Times

Following the first debate between President Donald Trump and challenger and former Vice President Joe Biden, many around the country have chimed in with their feelings an interpretations of how the debate went.

State Rep. Walter “Walt” J. Blackman (R-Snowflake), told the Grand Canyon Times that he felt the debate failed to accomplish anything regarding educating the public on where each candidate stood on actual election year issues, as the majority of the time seemed to be consumed in back-and-forth arguments.

Blackman, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Army and former frontline tank commander according to his official website, was particularly critical of the debate’s moderator, Chris Wallace, who Blackman said failed to maintain control of the conversation.

“It appeared to be unorganized and not structured during the debate,” Blackman told the Grand Canyon Times.

But Blackman was not partisan in the view of the debate he presented, saying he would like to see both candidates step up their performance and focus on the issues.

“I’d like to see the debates more structured and the issues addressed with solutions from both sides,” Blackman told the Grand Canyon Times.

Particularly, as the nation is gripped by social upheaval, Blackman said he felt one issue was glaringly missing from the debate.

“I cannot speak for anyone else. However, for me, I’d like to know how the president or future president will handle the violence taking place today,” Blackman told the Grand Canyon Times.

Blackman is running this year for a second term representing the Arizona House of Representatives’ Sixth District, according to Ballotpedia.

During his time in the Army, Blackman also served as a a sexual harassment and assault prevention senior program manager specialist, according to his official website. He was awarded a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq, as well as a Meritorious Service Medal.