In a contentious face-off, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump squared off Thursday in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, offering voters a rare side-by-side comparison of the two oldest candidates ever to seek the US presidency.
The 90-minute debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta, covered a wide range of topics including foreign policy, the economy, and American democracy. The rivals did not shake hands as they took their positions at podiums in a studio without a live audience.
Video: Biden and Trump face off in contentious debate / Credit: Reuters
While both candidates expressed support for Israel, they diverged on how to approach the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Biden, while emphasizing US support for Israel, stressed the need for caution in populated areas. "We are providing Israel with all the weapons they need," Biden said, adding that the Hamas terrorist organization "should be eliminated. But you have got to be careful" about using large bombs in civilian areas.
Trump, however, criticized what he perceived as Biden's pressure on Israel to end the fighting. "Israel is the one who wants to keep going," Trump asserted, arguing they should not be held back from continuing their military operations against Hamas. In a controversial remark, Trump criticized Biden's approach to Israel, saying "he's become like a Palestinian, but they don't like him because he's a bad one."
Another heated exchange occurred when discussing issues of racism and antisemitism. Biden accused Trump of calling white supremacists at the 2017 Charlottesville rally "fine people." "What American president would ever say Nazis carrying swastikas were fine people?" Biden asked, adding, "This guy has no sense of American democracy."
Trump vehemently denied this characterization, claiming the Charlottesville story was "made up" and that Biden's presidency is "the worst in American history." He also argued that current pro-Palestinian protests in the US are "a hundred times Charlottesville, a thousand times."
On domestic issues, both candidates traded barbs over the economy and immigration. Trump accused Biden of causing inflation that is "killing our country," while Biden countered by highlighting job creation during his presidency.
The candidates' age and fitness for office became a point of contention, with Trump boasting about acing cognitive tests and Biden defending his record of achievements despite criticism of his age.
Throughout the debate, Biden struggled at times with clarity and articulation, leading to reports of concern among some Democrats. However, his campaign team and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed confidence in his performance, with Harris acknowledging a "slow start" but praising a "strong finish."
As the election race intensifies, this debate, marked by sharp disagreements on foreign policy and inflammatory rhetoric, offered voters a crucial opportunity to assess the two leading candidates side-by-side. With national polls showing a tight contest, the performance and controversial statements of both Biden and Trump in this and future debates could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
