During the inaugural presidential debate for the 2024 US Elections, Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden had a heated exchange on economic issues, abortion rights, and the Capitol attack. Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, it was an in-person confrontation between the two, devoid of any handshake upon entering the stage.
The unique event was aired on CNN, with veteran journalists Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating; this was unprecedented as it bypassed the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which had been responsible for every previous debate since 1988. To prevent a repeat of their tumultuous 2020 exchanges, there was consensus to do away with a live audience and to enable microphone muting when either candidate wasn’t speaking.
The dialogue swiftly escalated, with the first point of contention being the inflation rise during Biden’s tenure. The president refuted this by attributing it to his predecessor’s reign during the Covid-19 crisis. Responding to this, Trump had a visible smirk on his face. While Biden vividly illustrated the economy as plummeting, Trump proudly took credit for his economic accomplishments while in power and his management of the pandemic.
The abortion issue also took centre stage with Biden accusing Trump of being responsible for the recent surge of state abortion restrictions following the reversal of Roe v Wade. As a former president, Trump steering three justices to the US Supreme Court resulted in the abolition of the constitutional abortion right, a fact he capitalised on during his campaign.
Despite affirming his belief in certain exceptions to the abortion ban on the debate stage, Trump reiterated his preference for leaving the abortion decisions to individual states following the disbandment of Roe v Wade, which previously provided federal abortion rights.
When questioned about the infamous Capitol attack in 2021, Trump skilfully diverted the attention to immigration and tax concerns.
Talking about his influence, he stated he incited people to behave “calmly and patriotically”, before launching a verbal assault on the previous House speaker, Nancy Pelosi.
Mr. Biden argued that Mr. Trump impelled his followers to march towards the Capitol, but did nothing as they clashed with police, while idling at the White House. “He didn’t lift a finger and these culprits should be incarcerated,” Mr. Biden commented.
“These should be the people facing consequences. Yet he seeks to free them all. And now he suggests that if he’s once again defeated, being the sore loser he is, that it could result in a ‘carnage’?”
Mr. Trump protected those found guilty and jailed for partaking in the insurrection, telling Mr. Biden, “Your treatment towards some of these innocent victims, you should be embarrassed.”
It wasn’t until 45 minutes into the debate, that Mr. Biden brought up Mr. Trump’s recent criminal conviction in New York.
In the midst of their debate about the insurrection, Mr. Biden stated, “The only individual on this platform with a criminal record is the gentleman I’m presently gazing at.”
Attempting to deviate attention from his legal predicaments, Mr. Trump mentioned Mr. Biden’s son, Hunter, as a “convicted criminal”, citing his recent conviction on three firearm charges.
Mr. Trump reiterated previous allegations concerning the Bidens and Ukraine, a routine area of attack for the Republicans.
Mr. Biden specifically brought up Mr. Trump’s guilty verdict in the New York scandal, saying, “Your ethical standards are as low as a street cat,” and mentioned claims in the case that Mr. Trump was intimately involved with an adult film actress.
“I did not have sexual relations with an adult film actress,” was Mr. Trump’s response, having opted not to take the stand at his trial.
Mr. Trump hit back asserting that Mr. Biden could be liable for criminal prosecution “once he vacates the presidential seat”.
Despite the absence of any solid proof, Mr. Trump suggested, “Joe could find himself a convict considering his actions.” He went on to label the president, “this man is a lawbreaker”.
Mr. Biden maintained that Mr. Trump was more preoccupied with “vengeance” against his political opposers rather than national leadership.
In the heated exchange that took place more than 80 minutes into the debate, questions emerged regarding the capability of Biden (81) and Trump (78) to serve effectively in their 80s. Speaking in the rough tone that he had maintained the entire night, Biden listed his policy successes, while acknowledging that Trump was barely “three years his junior”.
Trump retorted by flaunting his golfing prowess and asserted that he was as fit as he was a quarter of a century ago, claiming he might even be “a touch less heavy”. He evaded a clear commitment to accept the November election outcome, expressing willingness only if the election was “fair” and “lawful”. This echoed his unfounded allegations of widespread foul play in his 2020 defeat to Biden, a loss which he has yet to admit. Biden reacted to Trump’s equivocation on the acceptance of election results by doubting whether Trump would acknowledge them at all.
Turning to the global platform, Trump laid blame on China for the USA’s struggles, arguing Biden was pushing America towards global conflict during this opening debate preceding the presidential election in November. “Our nation will be owned by China if we continue on this path of enabling them,” he warned Biden during the Thursday evening debate. Criticising Beijing’s actions towards the US, he specified, “We are being crippled as a nation, Joe, it’s your responsibility to prevent this. You’re tearing down our nation.” He stated that both China’s head, Putin of Russia and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un neither “respected” nor “feared” the US leader. Trump contended Biden posed a threat of instigating World War III.
Upon conclusion of the fierce debate, Kamala Harris, vice-president, stated that Biden did have a “slow start”, but concluded “powerfully.” “It was a slow beginning, an aspect which is apparent to all,” she stated in her interview with CNN. Ms Harris focused on the upcoming election in November, emphasising its significant place in history. Democrats, however, expressed their worry both publicly and privately following the debate, expressing dissatisfaction towards a candidate and a campaign that had routinely dismissed questions related to the president’s age and cognitive ability as exaggerated.
A Democratic lawmaker swiftly commented post-debate believing the president seemed just a semblance of his old self. He indicated an imperative need for the party to discuss the potential substitution of him on the ballot.
Heading into the evening, survey data suggested that Mr Trump possessed a slight yet consistent advantage, now, he seemingly stands as the undeniable front-runner for a consecutive term in the White House.
“It was a truly underwhelming debate showing from Joe Biden. I think that’s the only way you can put it,” stated Kate Bedingfield, the former director of communications for the president, during a conversation on CNN. She continued, “His primary challenge was to assure the American people of his vitality and stamina, which he failed to do.” – Agencies.