How did Trump and Biden do in the debate? 3 takeaways from 2024’s first big clash
During the 2024 presidential debate, President Joe Biden faced questions about his age and fitness for office, given that he is 81 years old. While he attempted to address these concerns by highlighting his long career and achievements, many observers felt that his performance did not effectively alleviate worries about his age. Some criticized his halting speech and moments where he appeared to lose his train of thought. This has led to continued debate and concern among Democrats about his ability to effectively communicate and reassure voters about his fitness for office.
Here are three takeaways from the first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump:
- Biden’s Performance Under Scrutiny: Many sources noted that Biden, at 81 years old, appeared halting and lost his train of thought at times during the debate. This raised concerns among Democrats about his ability to effectively communicate his message and reassure voters about his fitness for office.
- Trump’s Confidence and Controversial Statements: Despite being 78 years old himself, Trump was described as confident and quick on his feet during the debate. However, he made several controversial statements, including his stance on abortion and his false claim that the 2020 election was illegitimate.
- Key Issues Discussed: The debate covered a range of important issues, including the economy, immigration, and abortion. Biden defended his administration’s handling of the economy and immigration, while Trump criticized Biden’s policies and touted his own record. The Supreme Court’s recent decision on abortion was also a topic of discussion.
Biden’s Age Takes Center Stage in First Presidential Debate
In the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, President Joe Biden, 81, faced off against former President Donald Trump, 78. The debate, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, was a critical opportunity for Biden to address voter concerns about his age and fitness for a second term. However, the president struggled to dispel these concerns, with his performance being described as “incoherent” and “struggling.”
Throughout the more than 90-minute debate, Biden’s age was a prominent topic. Voters’ concerns about his age and mental acuity were on display, as he had difficulty answering questions and failed to show the strength and spark he displayed in previous debates. This was a significant setback for the president, who entered the debate trailing in the polls and needing to shake up the race.
In contrast, Trump, who is also facing concerns about his age, was more disciplined on the debate stage. He abided by the time limits and avoided the constant interruptions that had plagued his previous debates. However, he did little to dismiss his own vulnerabilities, including his recent felony conviction.
The debate moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, did not fact-check the candidates on the fly, instead allowing them to make their points without interruption. This was a departure from previous debates, where moderators had played a more active role in holding candidates accountable for their statements.
The debate was held at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, underscoring Georgia’s role as a critical swing state in the upcoming election. It was one of few opportunities the public will have to hear from the two men directly and judge for themselves who is the better pick for the country.
Despite Biden’s struggles, the debate was not a complete disaster for the president. He did manage to land some jabs at Trump, including mocking him for his false claims about the 2020 election. However, the overall impression was that Biden failed to address the concerns about his age and mental acuity, which could have significant implications for his re-election campaign.
The debate also highlighted the importance of the vice presidential candidates, as they could play a crucial role in the event of a president’s incapacity. With both Biden and Trump in their late 70s and early 80s, the vice presidential candidates could potentially have a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
In conclusion, the first presidential debate of the 2024 election was a critical opportunity for both candidates to address voter concerns and make their case for the presidency. While Trump was more disciplined on the debate stage, Biden struggled to dispel concerns about his age and mental acuity. The debate underscored the importance of the vice presidential candidates and highlighted the challenges both candidates face as they seek to win over voters in the upcoming election.
