We asked readers in Friday’s “Fayetteville Forum” their thoughts on the debate between President Biden and Donald Trump, which aired on Thursday night from Atlanta. We asked if they watched the debate, who they thought won and how they liked CNN’s format, with no live audience. Thank you to all who responded. If you would still like to respond, write to eletters@fayobserver.com. Below is a sampling of what people said. — Myron B. Pitts, Opinion Editor

More: Fayetteville Forum: Biden and Trump debate. What did you think?

Trump killed him.Terry Riley

My spouse and I watched the debate, as we were keenly interested in Biden’s acuity and his performance.Biden won the debate, by responding to the questions put to them. However he had an off night of it.Trump, though, rehashed old lies and failed to fully respond to the question of whether he would honor the outcome of the election.The debate format was just fine, without all the catcalls and hoorah of a live audience. One could focus upon the substance of the debate.Ken Williams, Sanford

I watched the debate and thought the format appeared more professional on the surface because the candidates couldn’t speak over one another like the infamous 2020 debates. However the moderators didn’t even try to fact-check either candidate which I found very disappointing. The debate did matter to me, because I viewed this as Biden’s chance to show the nation that he wasn’t the slurring, incoherent mess the internet made him out to be. He failed in this respect, and I’m very nervous for the future of the Republic. I hope the Democratic party can see this as the red flag it is and force Biden to step down.Clayton Gibson, Fayetteville

More: Rex Huppke: Calls to replace Biden vs. silence on Trump? America has lost its political mind.

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Biden won the debate. Even with a cold he made every effort to answer the questions! Biden could (have) come in doing cart wheels and they still would have had a problem with him. (i.e. the claim that he’s on drugs).The format was okay.J. Brown, Fayetteville, NC

I did watch the debate, albeit begrudgingly. As a self-professed politics nerd and a glutton for punishment, I tuned in hoping to find some glimmer of hope regarding my decision in this election. While I’m not undecided, I am quite jaded and was looking for something to make me feel a bit more optimistic about the choices we have. I was disappointed.

As a leftist, I will be voting for Biden, albeit reluctantly. I strongly dislike Trump and consider him the worse of the two options (acknowledging that other candidates exist, but let’s be realistic). That said, debates like these are more about optics than substance, with the first thirty minutes likely being the most crucial (since that’s when most people are still watching). Objectively, I think Trump “won” this debate.

The debate format is pretty unremarkable to me. I don’t have strong feelings about it. However, moderators not doing their job is consistently frustrating. They should ask tougher questions, follow up, push back on absurd statements, and fact-check live as much as possible. It’s irresponsible to let candidates just spout their answers without any challenge. Regarding the mute button, I’m indifferent. Allowing interruptions could show who handles pressure better and highlight just how annoying and unprofessional Trump can be. I also believe that having an audience of regular people asking questions would substantially enhance the value of the debate.

Demetrios A. Moutos, Fayetteville

Opinion Editor Myron B. Pitts can be reached at mpitts@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3559.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Forum: Did Trump ‘kill him?’ and other debate reactions