The United States is gearing up for its upcoming presidential election in November, and the first clash between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump (Biden-Trump debate) has set the stage for what promises to be a contentious campaign.
Hosted by CNN in Atlanta, the debate delved into critical issues such as abortion, immigration, inflation, climate change, and foreign policy. However, what dominated the discourse was the stark contrast in the candidates’ demeanor and presentation.
While Trump entered the debate under the cloud of recent criminal convictions and allegations, it was Biden’s performance that drew significant attention. Throughout the night, Biden struggled with a hoarse voice and halting delivery, prompting speculation about his health.
Reports circulated that he might have had a cold, which some suggested accounted for his difficulty in articulating thoughts coherently. In contrast, Trump exuded confidence, despite often resorting to exaggerated claims and falsehoods during his remarks.
Moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash facilitated the debate without a live studio audience, a precautionary measure agreed upon to prevent the kind of interruptions that marred the 2020 debates. Each candidate’s microphone was muted during the other’s allotted speaking time, a decision driven by Biden’s campaign to maintain order but one that occasionally highlighted Biden’s struggles when he was reminded of remaining time by the moderators.
Key Takeaways from the Debate
Throughout the evening, notable statements from the candidates and their supporters punctuated the discourse. The debate was seen as a pivotal moment to address concerns about Biden’s age, 81 years old, but the outcome was disappointing. Biden’s voice was raspy and lacked the confidence expected of a presidential candidate.
He struggled with numbers and confused trillionaires with billionaires. At one point, he lost his train of thought while discussing Medicare.
“We’re able to make every single solitary person … eligible for what I’ve been able to do with the, uh, with — with Covid, or excuse me, with dealing with everything we have to do with, uh … Look … If … We finally beat Medicare,” he said.
Trump seized on Biden’s faltering, remarking, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
Vice President Kamala Harris later attempted to mitigate the damage, acknowledging a slow start but emphasizing a strong finish. She said, “Yes, there was a slow start, but it was a strong finish.”
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Trump’s confidence was evident as he navigated topics with fervor, occasionally making provocative assertions, including labeling Biden a “Manchurian candidate” and suggesting ties to China. He even cited unverified facts, such as claiming environmental numbers improved during his tenure
Despite attempts by Biden’s allies to pressure moderators into aggressive fact-checking of Trump’s claims, the debate often saw unchecked assertions and personal attacks. In a moment of acrimony, Biden accused Trump of lacking morals, setting a combative tone that persisted throughout the night.
In a stronger moment, he asserted, “The only person on this stage who is a convicted felon is the man I am looking at right now.” The discussion later turned to Trump’s recent felony conviction, with Biden likening Trump’s morals to those of an alley cat.
Trump’s Refusal
Trump’s refusal to definitively commit to accepting election results for the third consecutive cycle remained contentious. He avoided answering twice about accepting the results and only reluctantly agreed with a conditional “if” when pressed a third time.
“If it’s a fair, legal, and good election, absolutely,” he replied. Trump also made baseless allegations that Democrats would cheat in the November election and manipulate results.
As the debate unfolded, CNN’s split-screen coverage captured contrasting images: Biden struggling to fill his speaking time with coherent responses while Trump appeared composed and eagerly awaited his turn to counterattack.
Biden did make some strong statements, but his overall performance fell short of expectations. Former two-term President Barack Obama came to his support on social media, stating, “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.
Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”
After the debate, Biden stopped at a waffle store and commented, “I think we did well,” reflecting on his performance. As the presidential campaign intensifies, both candidates face continued scrutiny and speculation regarding their readiness to lead the nation. With weeks to go until the Democratic National Convention and subsequent debates, the fallout from this initial showdown will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the election.
The first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign revealed significant contrasts in style and substance between Biden and Trump. Biden focused on policy differences while Trump aimed to discredit him. Both candidates made their mark on a contentious debate. This debate set the stage for a heated electoral battle ahead.
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