Former president Donald Trump is currently the frontrunner for nomination by the Republican party and faced off against Joe Biden during the first presidential debate (Tia Dufour/Wikimedia Commons)
On June 27, 2024, after uncertainty following former president Donald Trump's highly notorious trial and subsequent convictions, the two frontrunners of the 2024 presidential election took the stage for the first debate of the election cycle. The debate — between Trump and current President Joe Biden — featured many alterations to the traditional debate structure, including a lack of a studio audience and muting of mics by a third party. The debate questions touched on a variety of topics spanning a breadth of highly important voter issues, with the main issues up for discussion being the economy and border security.
Economy
The moderator began by asking about the economy and noted that while inflation rates have slowed, prices remain high. President Biden argued that former President Trump handled the [Corona]virus poorly and that there was no inflation at the time due to the economy's weak state. He stated, “On inflation, he caused it by his tremendous malfeasance in the way he handled the pandemic.” He pointed out that since he became president, he has dealt with this issue better: “We provided thousands of millions of jobs for individuals who were involved in communities, including minority communities. We made sure that they had health insurance.”
The moderator then addressed candidate Trump. Trump mentioned how Biden referred to the Black population as 'super predators' for 10 years. Trump claimed to have made major improvements to criminal justice, whereas Biden has not. He stated, “When they see what I did for criminal justice reform and for the historically Black colleges and universities, where I funded them and got them all funded, and the opportunity zones... It’s one of the most successful economic development acts ever in the country, opportunity zones.”
Immigration and Border Security
On immigration, Biden said, “What I’ve done — since I’ve changed the law, what’s happened? I’ve changed it in a way that now you’re in a situation where there are 40 percent fewer people coming across the border illegally. It’s better than when he left office.” According to Politico, 62 percent of Democrats disapprove of Biden's handling of immigration. Donald Trump wishes that President Biden left the border as it was. He also alleged that opening the border led to an influx of terrorists coming into the country. He said, “We had the safest border in history. Now we have the worst border in history.”
Voters' Concerns
President Biden's performance in the debate has raised doubts regarding his ability to continue his presidency. With the advanced age of the two candidates being a particularly hot topic this election cycle, the moderator asked Trump, “You would be 82 at the end of your second term. What do you say to voters who have concerns about your capabilities to serve?” Donald Trump claimed to have aced two cognitive tests, stating that he wanted to see President Biden take a cognitive test. Many watchers noted that, throughout the debate, President Biden stuttered, mumbled, and lost track of his words often. There was even a moment where Donald Trump commented, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.” According to CNN News, President Joe Biden has received remarks urging him to drop out of the race, including from fellow Democrats in Congress. However, some argue one debate isn't the judge of who is capable or incapable of being president. Michael Tyler, a member of President Biden's campaign, told Air Force One reporters, “We'd rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for where he wants to take the country.” Obama said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know.”
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