In a crucial debate hosted in Atlanta, President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump participated in their first direct debate of the 2024 election cycle.
The debate at CNN’s headquarters featured the candidates at separate podiums. Notably, the two did not shake hands, and the debate occurred without a live audience.
The discourse focused on redefining the national political conversation, tackling essential topics such as the economy, foreign policy, international crises, immigration, and American democracy.
On economic matters, Biden criticized Trump for handling the economy and the pandemic, suggesting Trump’s management led to significant downturns and health crises. Trump countered by claiming his administration had built the strongest economy in the nation’s history before the pandemic and had taken decisive actions to prevent further economic downfall.
The debate also touched on social issues, with Biden attacking Trump for his influence over reduced access to abortion in America, which he described as “a terrible thing.” On immigration, Biden accused Trump of exaggerating the issues and lying about the circumstances.
Regarding international affairs, Trump blamed Biden for the ongoing war in Ukraine, arguing that such a conflict would not have occurred under his leadership and criticized the financial aid sent to Ukraine.
Personal attacks were prominent, with Biden labelling Trump a “convicted felon” and critiquing his moral standing, referencing various controversies. Trump, known for his forceful rhetoric, criticized Biden’s performance and questioned his cognitive abilities, even challenging him to a cognitive test.
As the debate concluded, it was clear that both candidates were keen to address their vulnerabilities and appeal to undecided voters in a nation still reeling from the divisions of the 2020 election.
The new debate format, without an audience and with enforced microphone rules, aimed to maintain a focus on the issues at hand. With Trump holding a marginal lead in key swing states and a tightly contested national race, the debate was crucial for both campaigns.
