ATLANTA: Democratic President Joe Biden delivered a mixed performance at Thursday’s debate, while his Republican opponent Donald Trump launched a series of attacks, many of which were factually incorrect, in their first clash before November’s US election, making them the oldest presidential candidates to debate on stage.
The two candidates sparred over abortion, immigration, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and their economic records, aiming to sway a closely contested race according to polls.
The debate marked a crucial moment in their contentious rematch, giving them a platform to appeal to a nationwide audience. Biden’s uneven performance may reinforce concerns among voters, at age 81, about his ability to serve as president, while Trump’s aggressive rhetoric may remind viewers of his turbulent tenure in office.
Biden entered the debate hoping to clarify the election choices for voters, while Trump, aged 78, aimed to move past legal issues and present himself as fit to return to the White House.
Biden, sounding hoarse, stumbled over his words early in the debate but regained ground midway through by criticizing Trump for his involvement in covering up payments to Stormy Daniels, branding him a “felon.” In response, Trump brought up the recent legal troubles of Biden’s son, Hunter, relating to false statements about his firearm purchase.
Biden later pointed out that nearly all of Trump’s former cabinet members, including Mike Pence, had declined to endorse him. “They know him well, they served with him,” Biden said. “Why aren’t they backing him?”
White House officials disclosed that Biden was suffering from a cold, which may have contributed to his fluctuating performance and fuel concerns about his age.
Meanwhile, Trump launched a barrage of criticisms, some of which were old falsehoods he has repeated throughout his campaign, such as claims about crime by migrants and Democratic support for infanticide.
Both candidates, aged 78 and under pressure to demonstrate their grasp of issues and avoid verbal missteps, sought a defining moment in a race that has remained deadlocked in opinion polls. Biden has faced persistent questions about his age and sharpness, while Trump continues to contend with legal challenges and provocative statements.
Trump was confronted about his actions on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn Biden’s Electoral College victory.
“On January 6, we were respected worldwide. And then he came in, and now we’re being laughed at,” Trump asserted.
When pressed by the moderator about whether he violated his oath of office by inciting his supporters and failing to intervene as they breached the Capitol, Trump attempted to shift blame to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Biden countered by accusing Trump of encouraging the Capitol rioters and failing to act as they clashed with law enforcement. “He did nothing, and these people should be held accountable,” Biden asserted. “He wants to pardon them all. And now he talks about a potential ‘bloodbath’ if he loses—such a sore loser.”
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