Biden Falls Flat Against Trump in First 2024 US Presidential Debate
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Loading... - Michelle Collins
- 28 Jun 2024
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The first debate of the 2024 United States presidential race took place with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump facing off in what turned out to be a critical event for both candidates. The debate, held at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, was the first since October 2020 and had both candidates attempting to gain a lead in a closely contested race.
Biden Struggles to Articulate
President Biden struggled to articulate his points during the debate, stumbling over his words at several moments. Despite starting strong by attacking Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden appeared to fumble as the debate progressed. His critiques of Trump’s presidency, particularly on the economy and public health measures, were met with mixed effectiveness. For instance, Biden quipped about Trump’s COVID-19 misinformation, saying, “Just inject a little bleach into your arm, and you’ll be alright,” but his delivery often lacked clarity.
Trump Redirects and Reiterates Falsehoods
Trump, on the other hand, capitalized on Biden's perceived weaknesses, often redirecting the conversation to highlight what he portrayed as the Democratic president's failings. He drummed up fears about immigration and the state of the economy, repeating numerous falsehoods, including the claim that the 2020 election was rigged. Trump avoided committing to honoring the results of the upcoming election, stating he would only do so if it was “fair” and “free.”
Performance and Stage Presence
Political observers noted that the debate could deepen the divide between the candidates. Trump’s performance was seen as more commanding, despite his exaggerations and falsehoods. Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher highlighted that while Biden called out Trump on his lies, Trump appeared in command, contrasting sharply with Biden’s sometimes confused responses. This performance is likely to exacerbate concerns about Biden's age and ability to lead, given that he is 81 and Trump is 78.
Unusual Timing and Format
The debate was unusual for its early timing, taking place before the major party conventions and following negotiations directly with CNN rather than the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. Both Biden and Trump had pushed to move the debate to June to avoid conflicts with early voting starting in September.
Key Issues Addressed
The debate covered critical issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion. Trump accused Biden of supporting open borders and falsely claimed Democrats were in favor of late-term abortions. Biden attempted to refute these claims and called out Trump’s rhetoric, but his efforts were sometimes overshadowed by his delivery.
Democrats Rally Around Biden
Despite criticisms of Biden’s debate performance, Democrats quickly rallied to support him. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the president’s achievements and potential for a strong finish. However, there were discussions among Democrats about finding a replacement candidate if Biden’s viability comes into question.
Future Debates
Thursday’s debate was the first of two scheduled for the year, with the next one set for September 10. Political observers are watching closely to see if Biden can improve his performance and solidify his standing as the Democratic candidate.
The debate underscored the intense and competitive nature of the 2024 presidential race, highlighting the contrasting styles and strategies of the two leading candidates. As the election approaches, both Biden and Trump will need to refine their approaches to sway undecided voters and secure their respective bases.
