Atlanta: Democratic President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump faced off Thursday night (local time) in a presidential debate, providing voters with a unique opportunity to see the two oldest presidential candidates in US history side by side.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trump, 78, appeared forceful and energetic, while Biden, 81, spoke in a hoarse voice and coughed regularly.
- Trump criticized Biden for being incoherent, saying, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said.”
- The White House stated Biden had a cold, and a Democratic strategist called it a “disaster.”
On Economy
- Both candidates blamed each other for inflation, the top issue for voters.
- Biden accused Trump of leaving a “terrible” economy, while Trump called Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic a “disaster.”
- Polls show voters favour Trump’s handling of the economy over Biden’s.
Losing His Train of Thought
- Biden struggled to articulate his points on the national debt, confusing “billionaires” with “trillionaires.”
- Trump mocked Biden’s speech, saying, “He’s right. He did beat Medicare. He beat it to death.”
Trump On Abortion Law
- Trump vowed not to further restrict abortion if re-elected, despite previously helping to overturn Roe v. Wade.
- Biden criticized Trump, saying, “The idea that the founders wanted the politicians to be the ones making the decisions about women’s health is ridiculous.”
Israel-Gaza War
- Biden balanced his support for Israel with calls for restraint in Gaza, amidst criticism from young voters and progressives.
- Trump asserted Israel should be allowed to “finish the job” against Hamas.
Ukraine War
- Trump blamed Biden for the Ukraine war and claimed he could settle it before his potential inauguration.
- Biden called Putin a “war criminal” and criticized Trump’s vague plan to end the war.
Will Trump Accept 2024 Results?
- Trump did not directly affirm he would accept the election results, repeating he would if it was a “fair and legal” election.
- Biden doubted Trump’s commitment to accepting the results, referencing the lack of evidence for widespread fraud in 2020.
Who Is Better At Golf?
- The debate included a light-hearted yet competitive exchange over golfing skills.
- Trump boasted about his vitality and challenged Biden’s golf abilities.
- Biden responded, “I’d be happy to have a driving contest,” claiming a six handicap.
The debate highlighted the stark differences between the two candidates, with each trying to appeal to voters amid a heated political climate.
