Trump, Biden face off in first 2024 presidential debate

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a historic rematch, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump took the stage for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, broadcast live from Georgia, a critical battleground state.

Moderated by CNN's Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, the debate covered pressing issues including the economy, national debt, and abortion, with each candidate making their case to the American people just four months before Election Day.

Economic Policies Under Scrutiny

The debate opened with a heated exchange on the economy, where President Biden defended his administration’s handling of inflation and economic recovery, emphasizing job creation and measures to reduce the cost of living.

He pointed to the economic challenges inherited from the Trump administration, including the pandemic's impact and rising unemployment rates.

Former President Trump countered, touting his administration’s pre-COVID economic performance and criticizing Biden’s policies for exacerbating inflation.

Trump highlighted his tax cuts and deregulation efforts as key drivers of economic growth, arguing that the Biden administration's spending has led to financial instability.

Addressing the National Debt

Both candidates were pressed on their contributions to the national debt, with Trump defending his tax cuts and claiming they spurred economic growth, while Biden criticized the fiscal policies of the Trump administration for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and increasing the deficit.

Biden proposed fixing the tax system to ensure the wealthy pay a fair share, which he argued would significantly reduce the national debt and fund essential public services.

Trump, on the other hand, blamed Biden’s spending policies for current economic woes and reiterated the success of his administration’s economic measures.

Abortion and States' Rights

Abortion emerged as a pivotal topic following the Supreme Court’s recent decision affecting state-level abortion laws.

Trump took credit for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing that the issue should be decided by states and expressing support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and life-threatening circumstances.

Biden criticized the rollback of federal protections for abortion, advocating for the restoration of Roe v. Wade and arguing that decisions about abortion should be between a woman and her doctor, not politicians.

He condemned state-level restrictions that severely limit access to abortion services, asserting that they undermine women's health and rights.

Divergent Foreign Policy Views

Foreign policy discussions highlighted deep differences in the candidates' approaches. Trump criticized Biden's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, labeling it a disaster and accusing Biden of weakening America's global standing.

He also condemned Biden's approach to China, arguing that the current administration has been too lenient and has failed to protect American interests.

Biden defended his administration's foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of restoring alliances and strengthening international partnerships.

He argued that Trump's isolationist policies had alienated allies and emboldened adversaries. Biden also highlighted successes in rallying global support against Russian aggression in Ukraine and reaffirmed his commitment to a strong NATO.

On Middle East policy, Trump accused Biden of not supporting Israel sufficiently in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. He asserted that Biden's policies have emboldened adversaries in the region.

Biden responded by emphasizing his administration's balanced approach and efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, while condemning terrorism and supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

Trump also boasted of his administration's success in eliminating ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, claiming these actions weakened terrorist organizations and deterred Iranian aggression.

Biden acknowledged these achievements but argued that a broader strategy is needed to ensure long-term stability and security in the region.

Looking Forward

As the debate concluded, both candidates reaffirmed their visions for the future of the United States.

Biden focused on building on his administration’s achievements and addressing ongoing economic and social challenges, while Trump promised to restore the pre-pandemic economic prosperity and reduce government intervention.

The debate highlighted stark contrasts in policy and leadership styles, setting the stage for a contentious election season.

With critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, and women's rights at the forefront, voters will weigh these factors as they decide the nation’s path forward.

Post-debate analysis

This early confrontation in the US presidential election campaign was marked by Biden's missed opportunity to reassure millions of Americans about his health and mental state.

Despite calling for the debate, the 81-year-old Democratic president struggled with his words, raising concerns among viewers.

Trump, 78, who was criminally convicted at the end of May, leveraged the moment to impose his style, doubling down on exaggerations and false claims, particularly on immigration, without significant interference from the moderators.

Post-debate, Biden attempted to maintain a positive outlook, stating, “I think we were good,” but a CNN poll indicated that two-thirds of viewers believed Trump won the confrontation.

This led to widespread concern and calls for reconsideration from within the Democratic camp.

Biden's former public relations director, Kate Bedingfield, described his performance as "really disappointing."

Political expert Larry Sabato labeled the event "a disaster," while Vice President Kamala Harris admitted Biden's slow start but defended his overall performance.

The debate's aftermath saw Republican Nikki Haley, a primary contender, questioning Biden's viability as the Democratic nominee, though it remains likely that Biden will secure the nomination at the Democratic convention in August.

This debate marks a pivotal moment in a highly competitive campaign, with both parties vying for critical independent voters in a deeply polarized nation.

Trump's legal troubles, including a potential prison sentence for falsifying documents and pending Supreme Court decisions, add further uncertainty to the election's outcome.