Why Joe Biden Was My Preferred 2020 Presidential Candidate
This short persuasive essay presents a student's case for why Joe Biden was a preferable choice in the 2020 U.S. presidential election over incumbent Donald Trump. The paper argues from two main angles: first, that Biden's calm and rational temperament makes him better suited to handle complex national challenges such as terrorism, economic instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic; and second, that Biden's honesty and empathy qualify him as a positive role model for citizens, particularly children. The essay contrasts Biden's perceived character strengths directly against Trump's conduct in office.
- Introduction: Biden introduced as preferred 2020 candidate
- Temperament and Rational Leadership: Biden's calm disposition suits national leadership
- Honesty, Empathy, and the Role Model Standard: Biden's character as truthful, empathetic role model
- Conclusion: Biden's qualities make him the better choice
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What makes this paper effective
- The essay focuses on two clearly defined criteria — temperament and character — giving the argument a tight, organized structure for a short persuasive piece.
- The author uses direct contrast throughout, pairing each positive claim about Biden with a corresponding criticism of Trump, which strengthens the comparative argument.
- The opening paragraph efficiently establishes context (the 2020 race, key challenges facing the nation) before moving into the core claims.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates comparative argumentation — a foundational persuasive writing technique in which a preferred option is evaluated not in isolation but explicitly against an alternative. Each criterion (calm rationality, truthfulness, empathy) is applied to both candidates, allowing the reader to assess the contrast rather than simply accept an assertion.
Structure breakdown
The essay is organized into two substantive body paragraphs, each developing a single criterion. The first addresses temperament and decision-making under pressure. The second addresses moral character and the role-model function of a president. Both paragraphs follow a claim–evidence–contrast pattern, making the logic easy to follow even in a compact format. The introduction previews the argument, and the body delivers it without digression.
Introduction
My preferred U.S. presidential candidate for 2020 is Joe Biden. Biden is the Democratic Party's nominee for president, and his main competitor is Donald Trump, the incumbent president and Republican Party nominee. There are a number of reasons why Biden would make a better president for the nation. Two stand out above all others: his calm and collected temperament, and his honesty and empathy as a person and public figure.
Temperament and Rational Leadership
The relevance of a stable, calm mind cannot be overstated when it comes to leadership — and this is especially true for the leader of a nation. Today, the United States faces a wide range of challenges, including terror threats, the possibility of an economic downturn, and a major pandemic. The country deserves a leader who is able to take a rational, rather than emotional, perspective on difficult issues and formulate the most viable solutions. In his past engagements, Biden has displayed this very important trait. His competitor, however, has lost his composure on multiple occasions — most visibly when engaging with members of the press. When the stakes are this high, the U.S. presidency demands steady, deliberate leadership.
Conclusion
Joe Biden's calm temperament, honesty, and empathy make him the stronger choice in the 2020 presidential race. These qualities are not merely personal virtues — they are essential attributes for anyone entrusted with leading the United States through one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
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