It was a tough battle between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on Thursday at the 2024 presidential election debate organised by the Cable News Network.
The debate, held in CNN’s Atlanta studios, marked a significant moment as it was the first of the campaign season for both candidates, with neither participating in their respective primary debates earlier in the year.
The debate, which was moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, followed a format designed to ensure a focused and structured discussion.
Biden emphasised his administration’s efforts to reduce unemployment and promote job growth, citing recent improvements in economic indicators.
Trump, on the other hand, criticised Biden’s economic policies, arguing that they had led to inflation and increased the national debt. He promised to reinvigorate the economy through tax cuts and deregulation.
Trump said, “He (Biden) has not done a good job. He’s done a poor job, and inflation is killing our country. It is killing us. I gave him a country with essentially no inflation. It was perfect. It was so good; all he had to do was leave it alone.”
Biden defended his administration’s approach to immigration reform, highlighting efforts to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and improve border security through technological advancements.
Trump countered by reiterating his stance on building a physical barrier along the southern border and implementing stricter immigration controls to prevent illegal crossings.
The debate also touched on international politics, particularly the United States stance on military aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Biden maintained that supporting these nations was crucial for maintaining global stability and countering authoritarian regimes.
Trump, however, criticised this approach, suggesting that US resources were being overstretched and that allies should contribute more to their defence.
Age and fitness for office were underlying themes throughout the debate.
At 81, Biden is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, and if re-elected, he would be 86 at the end of his second term.
Trump, aged 78, used this point to question Biden’s cognitive abilities and physical stamina.
In response, Biden highlighted his experience and steady leadership, countering that age should be viewed through the lens of capability and achievement.
Meanwhile, many observers found President Joe Biden’s performance in the June 27, 2024, CNN debate to be underwhelming for several reasons.
Several social media commentators, who are believed to be Trump supporters had a field day as they mocked the President’s performance.
Some said he performed way below par and was no match for Trump.
As of the time of filing this report, in Nigeria, the debate was trending at Number 3 on X.
An X user, Analise Theoddore, pointed out that Biden seemed less energetic and stumbled over several key points, which raised concerns about his ability to effectively communicate his policies and counter his opponent, Donald Trump.
‘Ability to speak, walk has declined’
Reacting on Friday night, Biden said his ability to speak and walk easily had declined over the years.
While addressing supporters at a campaign rally in North Carolina on Friday, Sky News quoted Biden as saying, “Folks, I don’t walk as easy as I used to, I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to.
“But I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth, I know right from wrong.”
The US President also noted that he won’t allow Trump to “attack our democracy again, I don’t think so folks.”
Former President Barack Obama, on Friday, threw his weight behind Biden.
In a post on X, Obama wrote, “Obama wrote, “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.”