The first debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prior to the November election was marked by a confrontational tone and exchange of falsehoods. Biden, at 81 years old, faced criticism for his uneven performance, raising concerns about his age and ability to serve as president. Trump’s bombastic rhetoric reminded Americans of his tumultuous four years in office and his refusal to clearly state whether he would accept the election results added to the unease.
Biden repeatedly attacked Trump personally during the debate, mentioning his recent felony conviction, alleged insult of World War I veterans, weight, and golf game. However, it was Biden’s halting delivery and raspy voice that drew the most attention. Some prominent Democrats questioned whether Biden should continue as a result. David Axelrod, a longtime advisor to former President Barack Obama, expressed shock at Biden’s performance, while Van Jones, another Democratic strategist, commented that Biden did not do well.
David Plouffe, Obama’s former campaign manager, described the debate as a “DEFCON1” moment for Democrats. Despite starting the debate with a raspy voice and halting delivery, Biden gradually improved and delivered clearer answers as the debate progressed. He criticized Trump’s record on climate change and accused him of not taking action during the Capitol insurrection.
On the other hand, Trump refused to accept the election results unless they were deemed “fair” and “legal.” He continued to promote baseless claims of widespread fraud and misconduct in the 2020 election. When questioned about his actions on January 6, 2021, Trump shifted blame to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Biden accused Trump of encouraging the Capitol rioters and criticized him for not holding them accountable.
The personal animosity between Biden and Trump was evident throughout the debate. Biden invoked his late son, Beau, who served in Iraq, while criticizing Trump for reportedly calling fallen soldiers “suckers and losers.” Trump denied making those remarks and criticized Biden for the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Both candidates faced headwinds going into the debate, with polling indicating public weariness with partisan politics and dissatisfaction with both candidates. The debate highlighted their sharply different visions on core issues such as abortion, the economy, and foreign policy. Their deep hostility toward each other was evident throughout the debate.
In terms of policy, Biden attributed rising inflation to the situation he inherited from Trump amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump disagreed, claiming that everything was “rocking good” during his term. However, by the time Trump left office, the country was still grappling with the pandemic, with the death toll surpassing 400,000. Over a year later, the death toll reached 1 million.
The debate also touched on abortion, with Trump claiming that the conservative justices he appointed to the Supreme Court helped overturn Roe v. Wade. Biden argued that abortion access had been settled for 50 years and accused Trump of making it harder for women to access basic healthcare.
Foreign policy was another point of contention, with Trump blaming Biden for conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, suggesting that aggressors attacked because they perceived Biden as weak. Biden dismissed these claims as “malarkey.”
The debate ended with both candidates adhering to the rules and not speaking out of turn. Biden appeared to question Trump’s weight, leading to a brief squabble about their golf handicaps. After the debate, Trump left the stage alone while Biden was joined by his wife Jill.
As they head out of the debate, both Biden and Trump will travel to states they hope to win in the upcoming election. Trump will go to Virginia, a state that has shifted toward Democrats in recent years, while Biden will travel to North Carolina, a state narrowly carried by Trump in 2020.
Overall, the first debate between Biden and Trump showcased their differing visions and personal animosity. Biden’s uneven performance raised concerns about his age, while Trump’s bombastic rhetoric reminded Americans of his tumultuous presidency. The debate highlighted the deep divisions between the two candidates and the challenges they face in winning over the public.
