Trump and Biden Face Off in Heated First Presidential Debate

In their first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger, Donald Trump, provided voters with a side-by-side comparison of the two oldest candidates ever to seek the US presidency. The debate, conducted without a live audience due to COVID-19 protocols, featured intense exchanges on economic issues, foreign policy, immigration, and the state of American democracy.

Highlights from the Trump-Biden Debate:

Fact Check on National Guard Deployment:

Trump falsely claimed he deployed the National Guard during the 2020 unrest following George Floyd's murder. In reality, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the Guard in response to requests from Minneapolis and St. Paul officials.

Acceptance of Election Results:

Trump stated he would accept the results of a "fair and legal election," while Biden accused Trump of being a "whiner" who appealed in courts without evidence of fraud after losing the 2020 election.

Taxation and Economic Policies:

Biden promised to make millionaires pay their "fair share" of taxes without raising costs for those earning under $400,000.

Trump criticized Biden's economic management, blaming him for current inflation and defending his own decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.

Age and Competence:

Trump boasted about acing cognitive tests and challenged Biden to do the same.

Biden countered by highlighting his long career and achievements compared to Trump's record.

Immigration and Border Policies:

Biden criticized Trump's immigration actions, including separating families at the border, while Trump accused Biden of causing inflation and job loss for Black and Hispanic communities.

Ukraine and Foreign Policy:

Trump claimed the Ukraine war would not have started under his leadership, while Biden attacked Trump's handling of Charlottesville and his stance on American democracy.

Abortion Rights:

Biden condemned Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it "a terrible thing," while Trump defended the decision and stated he would not block abortion medication if re-elected.

Job Growth and Economic Recovery:

Trump downplayed Biden's job growth as "bounceback" gains post-pandemic, while Biden emphasized the recovery and surpassing pre-pandemic employment totals.

Withdrawal from Afghanistan:

Trump labeled Biden's troop withdrawal from Afghanistan as "the most embarrassing day" in US history, asserting he would have managed it with dignity and strength.

Throughout the debate, Trump and Biden exchanged sharp barbs, with Trump accusing Biden of being paid by China and Biden labeling Trump the "worst president in history." The debate was hosted by CNN and broadcasted across all major networks, offering voters a crucial look at the candidates' positions ahead of the upcoming election.