As I watched the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, I felt uneasy. I hoped the debate would be a chance for the candidates to talk about important issues in a respectful way. But the debate showed that the differences between them were still huge.
Key Takeaways
- President Biden, at 81 years old, is three years and seven months older than former President Trump, who is 78.
- Biden and Trump made history by being the first sitting president and former president to ever debate.
- Biden’s hoarse voice and diminished appearance during the debate raised concerns about his capacity to serve another term.
- Trump’s response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th did not directly address the events of that day.
- The debate covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, inflation, immigration, foreign policy, and abortion.
Biden’s Raspy Voice Raises Concerns About His Age
At 81 years old, President Joe Biden faced scrutiny during the presidential debate. His raspy voice was a big issue right away. He sounded hoarse and had a limited vocal range, making people worry about his age and if he could serve another term.
Trump made fun of Biden’s struggles, saying he didn’t know what he was saying. Biden’s former communications director, Kate Bedingfield, thought his performance was “really disappointing.” CNN’s John King said it caused “a deep, wide, and aggressive panic in the Democratic Party.” Biden said he was hoarse because he had a cold.
Concerns Over Biden’s Age and Cognitive Abilities
The debate made people worry more about Biden’s age and how sharp his mind is. Critics have pointed out his mistakes in speeches. Most voters are worried about both Biden and Trump’s age, who is 78.
On social media, people, including politicians, comedians, and journalists, talked about Biden’s raspy voice. Political consultant Frank Luntz said undecided voters were surprised and concerned by Biden’s voice. Some Democrats are worried about how it might affect the election.
The Republican National Committee will meet on July 15, and the Democratic National Convention is on August 19. The Biden campaign has almost two months to address these concerns. But, some Democrats are privately worried about Biden’s performance and its effect on other candidates.
Trump’s Restraint and Biden’s Stumbles
The latest debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was different from their 2020 debate. Trump was more calm and didn’t interrupt much. Biden, on the other hand, had trouble getting his points across and seemed lost at times.
At one moment, Biden tried to talk about taxing the super-rich but stopped short. He ended up saying “We finally beat Medicare.” Trump could have attacked him, but instead, he stayed calm and acted like a typical politician.
This debate showed how the strategies of the two candidates have changed. Trump’s team likely told him to be more careful after his past mistakes. Biden had trouble keeping his thoughts clear, which made people wonder if he can connect with the public. His approval ratings were already low before the debate.
“The split screen during the debate emphasized Mr. Biden’s struggles and silence compared to Mr. Trump’s more attentive demeanor.”
The debate has set the stage for a big rematch between Trump and Biden in the 2024 election. Everyone is watching to see what happens next.
Biden Lacked a Clear Objective
At the debate, it was unclear what Biden aimed to achieve. Unlike in 2020, when he focused on Trump’s record, his approach was unclear. Biden often found himself on the defensive, struggling to counter Trump’s false claims.
On issues like abortion, Biden seemed confused, giving Trump an opening. This confused approach was a big part of the Trump debate strategy. The audience noticed, and many Democrats called for Biden to drop out just after the debate.
Over 51 million people watched the debate, where Biden’s performance was weak. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first to suggest Biden should leave the race. This showed the growing worry in the Democratic party.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Democratic lawmakers calling for Biden to exit | Over 15 |
| Viewers of the debate in Atlanta | 51 million+ |
| First lawmaker to suggest Biden withdraw | Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas |
The Biden campaign tried to show he could beat Trump with a “flash poll.” But public polls didn’t show he was ahead. Even Nancy Pelosi wondered if Biden’s poor debate was just a one-time thing.
“Biden faced criticism for being in a bubble and not engaging in unscripted situations to demonstrate his capabilities.”
Biden struggled in the debate, showing he needed a better debate strategy and messaging. As the campaign goes on, Biden will face more pressure to fix these issues.
Biden’s One-Liners Fell Flat
At the debate, President Joe Biden tried to use one-liners and quips against his opponent, Donald Trump. He said things like “Every single thing he’s said is a lie. Every single one,” and “I’ve never heard so much malarky in my life.” These were meant to show Trump’s lies and wrongdoings. But, they didn’t hit their mark and didn’t impress the audience.
Biden’s message was unclear and lacked sharpness. He aimed at Trump’s past issues but didn’t deliver with the expected strength. The debate showed a big difference between Biden’s tired look and Trump’s calmness, making the debate uneven.
Biden’s one-liners didn’t work well, showing a problem with his debate plan. He focused too much on personal attacks and missed a chance to explain his policies clearly. This made many viewers unhappy and doubt Biden’s strategy.
“I’ve never heard so much malarky in my life.”
The debate showed Biden has a hard time getting his base excited and winning over undecided voters. As the 2024 election gets closer, Biden’s team must rethink his debate strategy. They need to find a way to connect better with people, or his one-liners won’t work.
biden debate
The recent biden debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was a big moment in U.S. politics. It lasted 90 minutes and was held in Atlanta, with CNN hosting. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderated the discussion, which touched on many topics like the economy, inflation, and abortion.
This debate was important before the 2024 presidential election. Both candidates were trying to win over important groups of voters. Recent polls show Trump leading Biden by six percentage points among likely voters. This could greatly affect the election’s outcome.
| Candidate | Pre-Debate | Post-Debate |
|---|---|---|
| Trump | 49% (Registered Voters) | 49% (Registered Voters) |
| Biden | 41% (Registered Voters) | 43% (Likely Voters) |
Some people worry about Biden’s age and if he’s fit for office. 74% of voters think he’s too old. Among Democrats, 59% are worried about his age too.
The 2024 debate between Biden and Trump is very important. The results could change the country’s future. Both candidates want to win the support of the American people.
Biden Misses Opportunity on Abortion
Abortion was a key topic that Biden should have tackled during the debate. The Democratic party and recent Supreme Court decisions made it crucial. But, Biden seemed confused, missing a chance to stand strong on this important issue.
A recent AP-NORC poll showed that about four in ten Americans like how Biden handles abortion. Seven in ten Democrats agree, but about three in ten Independents and roughly two in ten Republicans do not. This shows that Biden’s abortion policy is a strong point, but he didn’t use it well in the debate.
Trump wrongly said everyone was happy with making abortion policy go back to the states. But, about two-thirds of U.S. adults and nearly nine in ten Democrats believe abortion should be legal in most cases, a June AP-NORC poll found.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade has affected many, with at least 25 million women now in states with tough abortion laws. Yet, in 2020, only a tiny part of U.S. abortions were done after 21 weeks. This shows why keeping access to abortion is vital.
Biden missed a chance to defend his abortion policy strongly. This could affect his party’s support as the midterm elections come closer.
Trump’s Dark Rhetoric on Immigration
During the presidential debate, former President Donald Trump spoke about immigration. He said the U.S. border is very dangerous and migrants come from “mental institutions” and “insane asylums.” He claimed the border is the most dangerous place in the world.
But, Trump’s words were met with facts. Studies show that immigrants, both legal and illegal, commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans. Also, research from the National Institute of Justice found that immigrants are not more likely, and may even be less likely, to commit crimes in the U.S.
Latino advocacy groups criticized Trump for his harsh words towards immigrants. Marisa Limon Garza from the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center said politicians often ignore facts about immigrant communities.
Trump also said migrants are taking “Black jobs” and “Hispanic jobs.” This statement was seen as racist. Democrats and Black leaders said it was not true. Research shows immigration from 2000 to 2019 actually helped the wages of less educated U.S.-born workers.
Trump tried to make people afraid of immigrants. But, his inflammatory rhetoric on trump border policy and trump immigration claims were shown to be wrong. The debate showed the big difference between his words and the real situation with immigration in America.
Biden’s Strongest Moment on Veterans
In the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden stood out when he defended American troops. This was in response to Trump’s 2018 comments calling U.S. military veterans “suckers” and “losers.”
Biden, whose son Beau served in the military, spoke with deep emotion. “My son was not a loser, was not a sucker. You’re the sucker, you’re the loser,” he said. This statement deeply moved veterans and military families, who have long felt disrespected by Trump’s words.
Biden showed great respect and gratitude for the biden veterans and biden military. His words were a strong contrast to Trump’s biden trump veterans comments, which were widely criticized. This exchange showed the big differences between the candidates on valuing those who serve their country.
“My son was not a loser, was not a sucker. You’re the sucker, you’re the loser.”
Reactions to Biden’s stance on veterans were mixed. Some, like 72-year-old veteran Hector Mercado, still supported Trump. But most viewers praised Biden for his strong support of the military. They saw it as a powerful moment that showed his commitment to honoring those who serve.
| Viewer Reactions | Sentiment |
|---|---|
| Hector Mercado, 72-year-old veteran | Remained loyal to Trump despite controversy |
| Amy Pottinger, Biden supporter | Praised Biden’s strong responses on Roe v. Wade |
| Patrons at M Lounge in Chicago | Applauded Biden’s zinger about Trump’s “morals of an alley cat” |
| Georgia state Sen. Nikki Merritt | Expressed nervousness, comparing her feelings to a parent with a child on stage |
Biden’s defense of the military and his criticism of Trump’s comments was a powerful moment in the debate. It made him known as a strong supporter of the biden veterans and biden military. It also showed a big difference between the candidates on how they treat those who have served their country.
Trump Refuses to Condemn January 6th Attackers
Former President Donald Trump refused to condemn the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He said those who attacked police and stormed the building might be found innocent one day. Over 1,400 people face federal charges, with over 850 pleading guilty.
President Joe Biden said Trump encouraged the Capitol Hill invasion. He claimed Trump watched the chaos for three hours without acting. Biden’s strong words showed how Trump and he differ on this issue.
Trump’s Continued Election Denialism
Trump won’t accept the truth about January 6th and thinks some might be cleared. His denial of the 2020 election results is still going strong. He doubts the election’s fairness, hurting trust in democracy.
Biden strongly disagreed with Trump on January 6th and the election. This shows the big divide in the country. The debate underlines the need for accountability and trust in democracy.
Biden Brings Up Trump’s Conviction and Alleged Affair
In a historic first, President Joe Biden mentioned former President Donald Trump’s recent criminal conviction in New York during a debate. Biden called Trump out, saying he had “the morals of an alleycat.” This was due to evidence showing Trump had an affair with a porn star and hid illegal payments.
Trump quickly denied the claims, saying, “I didn’t have sex with a porn star.” This exchange showed how personal and bitter the debate was getting. The two candidates were attacking each other’s legal and ethical issues.
Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts for hiding hush money payments. This makes him the first convicted felon to debate in a presidential race. His sentencing is on July 11, which could affect his 2024 election campaign.
The debate, moderated by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, was filled with intense moments. The candidates disagreed on many topics, including policy and personal conduct. Their arguments over Trump’s legal issues highlighted their deep differences and personal dislike.
“You have the morals of an alleycat,” Biden said to Trump during the debate.
The debate was held in Atlanta, Georgia, without an audience. The candidates talked about inflation, abortion, and immigration. But, their personal attacks and accusations were the main focus. These attacks raised big questions about American politics and the future of democracy.
Trump Claims Everyone is Happy with Overturning Roe v. Wade
At the presidential debate, [Trump made more than 30 false claims](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/27/fact-check-debate-biden-trump). Biden made at least nine. Trump said everyone was happy with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
This is not true. Polls show that [about 65% to 67% of Americans opposed the Supreme Court’s decision](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/27/fact-check-debate-biden-trump). Trump said “every legal scholar and everybody” wanted Roe v. Wade overturned. But this ignores the strong public opposition.
Biden disagreed, saying the idea that politicians should decide on women’s health is “ridiculous.” He pointed out that Roe v. Wade was based on the right to privacy. This right was supported by the Founders.
“The idea that the Founders wanted politicians to make decisions about women’s health is just not accurate. Roe v. Wade was based on the constitutional right to privacy, which the Founders clearly believed in.”
Trump’s claims about the public’s feelings on Roe v. Wade are part of a pattern of [Trump making unsubstantiated claims](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/27/fact-check-debate-biden-trump). These claims cover many topics, like the environment, drug reform, border security, the economy, and January 6th. Fact-checking has found many errors in both candidates’ statements. This shows the need for careful moderation and accountability in debates.
Inflation Takes Center Stage
The presidential debate started with a focus on the economy and inflation. Biden and Trump both tried to win over voters on this key issue. It’s been a big problem for the Biden campaign.
Biden said he took over an economy that was falling apart. He claimed he’s worked hard to fix it. But Trump said Biden caused the inflation. He said prices went up under Biden’s leadership.
The candidates argued over who caused inflation. Prices went up from 1.4% in January 2021 to 9.1% in June 2022. Now, they’re back at 3.4%. Biden said global factors are to blame. Trump said the administration’s policies caused the rise in prices.
| Metric | Biden | Trump |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation Rate | 3.4% (current) | 1.4% (January 2021) |
| Taxes | Proposed $4.4 trillion in tax increases | Reduced taxes by $1,600 per average American |
| Government Spending | Approved $4.3 trillion in new borrowing | Approved $8.4 trillion in new borrowing |
The debate showed big differences in how the candidates want to handle the economy and inflation. Voters will have a clear choice on this important issue in the election.
Trump’s Memorable Line: “I Didn’t Have Sex with a Porn Star”
The second presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump was unforgettable. Trump faced questions about his legal issues. Biden mentioned Trump’s recent criminal conviction in New York, where Trump was accused of having sex with a porn star. Trump denied it, saying, “I didn’t have sex with a porn star.”
This denial came after Trump was found guilty in New York. Prosecutors showed evidence that Trump paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair before the 2016 election. Biden pointed out that Trump was the only “convicted felon” on stage, hitting at Trump’s legal troubles.
The debate showed deep differences between the candidates. They argued over the economy, immigration, and the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump denied everything, while Biden called him a figure with ethical and legal problems.
| Key Moments | Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Biden accused Trump of having the “morals of an alley cat” | The debate featured personal attacks and bitter exchanges |
| Trump claimed he “didn’t have sex with a porn star” | Trump sought to deny allegations of his affair with Stormy Daniels |
| Biden highlighted Trump’s criminal conviction in New York | The candidates traded barbs over each other’s legal and ethical issues |
The trump stormy daniels scandal and trump legal issues were big topics. The candidates tried to win over undecided voters. The trump debate quotes showed how political talks can be divisive and personal. This left many wondering about America’s future.
Divides on Abortion Policy
The candidates’ views on abortion showed big differences between Biden and Trump. Trump said everyone was happy with the Supreme Court’s decision to end Roe v. Wade. On the other hand, Biden thought it was silly to think the Founders wanted politicians to decide on women’s health issues.
Trump supports exceptions for rape, incest, and to save the mother’s life. Biden believes no politician should decide on abortion. He thinks doctors and women should make those choices.
Conflicting Stances on Abortion
The candidates had very different views on biden abortion policy and trump abortion policy. Trump is proud of his role in ending Roe v. Wade, which has made abortion laws stricter. Biden wants to protect abortion rights and thinks politicians shouldn’t decide on women’s health.
| Issue | Biden’s Position | Trump’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Abortion Access | Supports abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare | Supports overturning Roe v. Wade and leaving abortion laws to individual states |
| Exceptions | Believes abortion decisions should be left to women and their doctors | Supports exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother |
| Supreme Court Appointments | Criticized Trump’s Supreme Court appointments that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade | Proud of his role in appointing justices who overturned Roe v. Wade |
The big differences in the candidates’ abortion debate show how divisive this issue is in American politics. Voters will have a clear choice between the candidates’ different views on this key topic.
Clashing Over Immigration
The debate between President Trump and President Biden was intense. They argued about immigration. Trump used scary words to describe the border under Biden. Biden talked about a bill he tried to pass in Congress.
Trump said some migrants came from “mental institutions” and “insane asylums.” He pointed out some immigrants who had committed violent crimes. But Biden said the number of migrants at the border has gone down by over 40% since his order. He also mentioned that border agents now see fewer than 2,400 migrants a day, less than in June.
A study by the Cato Institute showed that undocumented immigrants are actually less likely to commit murder than people born in the U.S. Biden said we need a new way to handle immigration. He said trying to change the laws hasn’t worked well in almost 40 years.
| Key Immigration Statistics | Trump’s Rhetoric | Biden’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| 40% drop in illegal migrant crossings since Biden’s executive order | Claimed migrants are from “mental institutions” and “insane asylums” | Defended his record, pointed to bipartisan border bill |
| Unauthorized migrant crossings down more than 40% after Biden’s asylum order | Cited examples of immigrants in the U.S. illegally committing violent crimes | Emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform |
| Undocumented immigrants 26% less likely than native-born Americans to be convicted of homicide | Used dark, catastrophic rhetoric to paint a picture of a chaotic border | Highlighted that attempts to modernize immigration law have not been successful in decades |
The debate showed a big difference in how Trump and Biden see immigration. It showed how divided we are on this issue in the U.S.
Conclusion
The first debate of the 2024 election season was a big deal. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump talked about many important topics. They discussed the economy, inflation, immigration, and abortion. This showed the big differences in their views on key issues.
Trump was calmer than in past debates, but Biden had trouble explaining his views clearly. He also had trouble correcting Trump’s wrong claims. This made some Democrats worry about Biden’s age and if he can do another term. There were talks about finding a new candidate for November.
But, the debate wasn’t all bad news for Biden. Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, started supporting Biden. Also, 16 Nobel laureates in economics wrote a letter. They criticized Trump’s economic plans and praised Biden’s. This was a big win for Biden’s economic policies.
FAQ
What were the key moments and takeaways from the Biden-Trump presidential debate?
The debate touched on many topics like the economy, abortion, and immigration. Biden had a hoarse voice and found it hard to get his points across. Trump was calmer than before, which was a change.
What concerns were raised about Biden’s age and capacity to serve another term?
Biden’s voice was hoarse, and he looked tired, making people wonder if he’s too old for another term.
How did Trump’s approach differ from their previous debates?
Trump was more controlled this time, not interrupting as much as before. This change was noticeable.
What issues did Biden struggle to effectively address during the debate?
Biden had trouble explaining his views and correcting Trump’s false claims. He didn’t give a clear vision for the country.
How did Biden’s one-liners perform during the debate?
Biden’s witty remarks didn’t have the impact the campaign hoped for. Phrases like “Every single thing he’s said is a lie” didn’t resonate well.
What was the historic significance of the Biden-Trump debate?
This debate was historic, being the first time a sitting president and a former president debated. It marked a significant moment in U.S. politics.
How did Biden perform on the issue of abortion?
Biden had trouble explaining the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion. He missed a chance to strongly support his party on this key issue.
What type of rhetoric did Trump use when discussing immigration?
Trump used scary language to describe the border under Biden, saying migrants come from “mental institutions” and “insane asylums.”
How did Biden defend the service and sacrifice of American troops?
Biden stood up for American troops, saying Trump was the real loser, not his son. This was one of Biden’s strongest moments.
How did Trump respond to questions about the January 6th attack on the Capitol?
Trump denied the attack, refusing to criticize those who attacked police and stormed the Capitol.
What controversial moment occurred when Biden brought up Trump’s criminal conviction?
Biden mentioned Trump’s criminal conviction in New York, where he was accused of having sex with a porn star. Trump denied it, saying he never had sex with a porn star.
How did the candidates’ responses on abortion highlight their policy divisions?
Trump said everyone was happy with the Supreme Court’s abortion decision. Biden disagreed, calling it ridiculous to think the Founders wanted politicians to decide on women’s health.
How did the candidates clash over the issue of immigration?
Trump used scary language to describe the border under Biden. Biden defended his immigration policies and mentioned a bipartisan bill he tried to pass.