Live Updates of the 2024 Presidential Debate Biden and Trump Conclude Discussion with Bragging about Their Golf Proficiency
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in Atlanta on the debate stage. At the outset, Biden greeted Trump before delving into a critique of Trump’s presidency prompted by a question on inflation.
Biden asserted that Trump’s tenure was marred by failure, echoing his campaign rhetoric on unacceptable terms with Putin and highlighting efforts to reduce prescription drug and insulin costs. Trump defended his economic policies, emphasizing his tax cuts as catalysts for economic growth.
Questioned about Trump’s economic legacy, Biden retorted, “Donald Trump left me an economy in free fall. He dismissed pandemic concerns, suggesting injecting bleach into arms. I turned our country around.”
Trump pressed Biden on international issues, referencing Ukraine and Gaza, to which Biden responded sharply, “He’s clueless. This is the guy who wants to leave NATO. Are you staying in NATO? He wants to pull out.”
Trump brought up Hunter Biden, alleging legal troubles, while Biden rebutted accusations of criminality, dismissing Trump’s claims as baseless.
On climate change, Biden criticized Trump for exiting the Paris Climate Accord, which Trump defended as saving trillions. He vowed not to block abortion medications if re-elected, citing his Supreme Court nominations and the shift of Roe v. Wade decisions to states.
Trump dominated speaking time, with CNN reporting 23 minutes and 6 seconds compared to Biden’s 18 minutes and 26 seconds. Biden countered with a fiery statement, declaring America the world’s most admired nation and dismissing claims of being the worst president in U.S. history.
Biden also reminded Trump of legal troubles and fines, highlighting civil penalties and ethical concerns. In response, Trump pledged to address the case of journalist Evan Gershkovich if elected, currently facing espionage charges in Russia.
Stay tuned for further updates on this heated presidential debate.