The first 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump began with a disagreement over whether or not to shake hands. The 90-minute faceoff had several standout moments, including discussions on the economy and abortion.
Biden spoke softly in a hoarse voice, emphasizing the economic progress during his presidency, including rescuing the economy from “free fall” and “chaos” when he took office in 2021. Trump listened with a bemused expression but did not interrupt, while pointing out that rising prices under Biden’s administration were hurting Americans.
The topic of abortion sparked a contentious debate, with Biden accusing Trump of eroding abortion rights, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. This move energized voters who support abortion rights and contributed to Democratic victories in the 2022 midterms. Trump defended his presidency’s approach to abortion, emphasizing state laws and supporting exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Overall, the debate showcased stark differences in policy and approach between the two former presidents. Biden pledged to restore abortion rights under Roe if given a second term, while Trump emphasized his support for state-led approaches to the issue. The debate underscored the deep divides in American politics on crucial matters like the economy and abortion.
The two former presidents clashed over their different views on many issues during their first presidential debate of 2024. Their heated exchange about the economy was one of many key moments that stood out during their faceoff.
Biden spoke passionately about his efforts to rescue the economy from “free fall” and “chaos” when he took office in 2021, highlighting economic progress during his presidency.
Trump listened with a bemused expression but did not interrupt while pointing out rising prices under Biden’s administration were hurting Americans.
Meanwhile, their discussion on abortion sparked another contentious moment in their debate.
Biden accused Trump of eroding women’s reproductive rights by reversing Roe v. Wade after it was struck down by US Supreme Court.
This move energized voters who supported reproductive rights and contributed to Democratic victories in midterms.
On this issue too, they had vastly different approaches; Biden pledged to restore women’s reproductive rights under Roe if elected for a second term while Trump emphasized state-led approaches to this issue.
Overall, their first presidential debate showcased stark differences between them on many critical issues such as economics and abortion.
