Biden and Trump Clash in First 2024 Presidential Debate

In the first presidential debate of 2024, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in a highly anticipated and heated exchange. Hosted by CNN at their Atlanta studios on June 27, the debate was moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The event, which began at 9 PM EST, had no live audience, marking a departure from traditional debate formats.

Economic Policies Take Center Stage

Economic issues dominated the debate, with Biden highlighting his administration’s success in creating jobs and improving infrastructure. Biden pointed to the addition of millions of jobs and significant investments in renewable energy, claiming his policies have led to a robust economic recovery post-pandemic. However, Trump was quick to criticize Biden, arguing that his policies have fueled inflation and hurt small businesses. Trump emphasized his record of tax cuts and deregulation, promising to restore economic stability.

Healthcare Reforms Under Scrutiny

Healthcare was another critical topic, with Biden defending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and proposing further expansions to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. He claimed that his administration’s efforts have reduced the number of uninsured Americans and lowered prescription drug costs. Trump, on the other hand, criticized the ACA, labeling it a failure, and reiterated his promise to replace it with a plan that would reduce costs and improve care, though specifics were lacking.

Age and Competency Concerns

The age of both candidates was a significant topic, with Biden being 81 and Trump 77. Many voters, particularly younger ones, question their fitness for another term. Biden sought to reassure the public about his health and capabilities, while Trump used this point to question Biden’s mental acuity, suggesting that Biden’s age and health were liabilities.

Donald Trump took to his social media account to further criticize President Biden’s age.

Foreign Policy Divergences

The candidates also clashed on foreign policy. Biden touted his administration’s efforts to rebuild international alliances and take a firm stance against adversaries like Russia and China. He highlighted his success in rallying NATO allies and imposing sanctions on Russia following its aggression in Ukraine. Trump criticized Biden’s foreign policy approach as weak, arguing that his administration had secured better trade deals and had a stronger international presence.

Climate Change and Energy Policies

On climate change, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue through substantial investments in green energy and reducing carbon emissions. He outlined plans for further investments in wind, solar, and electric vehicles. Trump expressed skepticism about the urgency of climate change, advocating for energy independence through traditional energy sources such as oil and gas.

Law and Order Debate

The debate also covered issues of law and order. Trump positioned himself as the candidate of law and order, criticizing Biden for what he described as a failure to control crime and secure the borders. Biden responded by discussing his administration’s balanced approach to law enforcement, highlighting efforts to reform the criminal justice system while maintaining public safety.

Some Fact-Check Questions Asked

Question 1: What specific economic policies do you propose to address the current inflation and economic instability?

• Joe Biden: Emphasized continued investment in infrastructure and green energy, aiming to create jobs and stabilize the economy while reducing the deficit responsibly.
  • Fact-Check: Biden’s administration has made significant investments in infrastructure and green energy, consistent with his statements during the debate​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Advocated for further tax cuts and reduced regulations to stimulate business growth and bring manufacturing jobs back to America.
  • Fact-Check: Trump’s first term included substantial tax cuts and deregulation efforts, which he argues led to economic growth​​​​.

Question 2: What are your plans for improving the healthcare system and ensuring affordable access for all Americans?

• Joe Biden: Plans to build on the Affordable Care Act by lowering premiums and expanding coverage to ensure every American has access to affordable healthcare.
  • Fact-Check: Biden has expanded ACA subsidies, though challenges in making healthcare universally affordable persist​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Proposed repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act with a system that promotes competition and lowers costs, while protecting pre-existing conditions.
  • Fact-Check: Trump’s efforts to repeal the ACA were unsuccessful, and his administration’s stance on pre-existing conditions protections has been contentious​​​​.

Question 3: How do you respond to concerns about your age and ability to serve effectively as President?

• Joe Biden: Asserted his commitment and capability to serve, highlighting his experience and judgment as assets.
  • Fact-Check: At 81, Biden’s age is a concern for some voters, but he has been medically cleared to serve​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Claimed to be in excellent health and ready to lead again, citing his energy and capability demonstrated during his first term.
  • Fact-Check: Trump, at 78, has faced health concerns, but his physician has publicly affirmed his good health​​​​.

Question 4: What is your approach to managing relations with China and Russia in the current geopolitical climate?

• Joe Biden: Stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement while maintaining firm stances on human rights and international norms, leveraging alliances.
  • Fact-Check: Biden has taken firm positions on human rights in China and supported NATO alliances, though tensions remain high​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Advocated negotiating from a position of strength to prioritize American interests, emphasizing respect through strength.
  • Fact-Check: Trump’s personal diplomacy with leaders of China and Russia had mixed outcomes during his first term​​​​.

Question 5: What are your plans for addressing climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources?

• Joe Biden: Committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, investing in clean energy technologies, and rejoining international climate agreements.
  • Fact-Check: Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement and set ambitious climate goals, though legislative challenges remain​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Argued for a balanced energy approach, including all forms of energy, criticizing the Green New Deal as unrealistic.
  • Fact-Check: Trump rolled back several environmental regulations, promoting energy independence through traditional sources like oil and gas​​​​.

Question 6: What are your proposals for reforming the criminal justice system and addressing police misconduct?

• Joe Biden: Supported comprehensive police reform, including better training and accountability, while investing in community programs to address root causes of crime.
  • Fact-Check: Biden has advocated for police reform and community investments, though legislative progress has been limited​​​​.
• Donald Trump: Emphasized supporting law enforcement and ensuring they have the necessary resources, focusing on law and order.
  • Fact-Check: Trump consistently supported law enforcement funding and opposed broad police reform measures, prioritizing crime reduction

President Joe Biden claimed that the US Border Patrol endorsed him and his campaign. However, recent responses from the US Border Patrol suggest that this might not be the case.