Biden-Trump Debate Summary: Face-Off Would Make One Ask Why US Only Has To Choose Between These Two
Incoherence or falsehoods: these are essentially the choices an American is likely to have at the polls next year after watching the first general election debate of the 2024 season between U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The face-off was marked by a series of personal attacks, factual inaccuracies, and tense exchanges.
Moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper, the debate covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, immigration, healthcare, and foreign policy. The debate set the stage for a fiercely contested election season, highlighting the deep divisions between the two candidates.
According to multiple fact-checking sources, both candidates made numerous false or misleading claims. Trump made 11 false claims during the debate, which includes claiming that he left Biden with an economy that had “almost no inflation,” which is incorrect as inflation was already rising before Biden took office. He also described the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as “the most embarrassing day in the history of our country,” not acknowledging that his administration negotiated the withdrawal agreement without a detailed plan for execution.
On the other hand, Biden made 7 false claims, including inaccurately claiming his administration created 15,000 jobs, while the correct figure is over 15 million, and claiming that billionaires pay an average federal tax rate of 8%, which compares their tax payments with theoretical income, making the figure misleading.
No Handshake Tradition Continues
In a significant break from traditional decorum, Biden and Trump did not shake hands at the beginning of the debate. This absence of a cordial greeting might seem like a stark departure from the usual display of sportsmanship, but it is not unprecedented. During the 2020 presidential debates, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the two men did not shake hands then either, due to health and safety protocols.
Furthermore, in the 2016 debates between Trump and then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the traditional handshake was also skipped, reflecting the intense and often bitter nature of that campaign.
Observers noted that the absence of a handshake set the tone for the evening. This departure from tradition may reflect the increasing polarization in American politics, where even symbolic gestures of goodwill are eschewed in favor of more combative interactions.
Economics
The debate opened with a pivotal question directed at Biden concerning the state of the economy. Tapper asked, “What do you say to voters who feel they are worse off under your presidency than they were under President Trump?”
Biden, whose voice sounded hoarse, responded by outlining the economic challenges he inherited upon taking office. “When I took office, we were in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden stated. “We’ve created 15,000 jobs since then,” he added, mistakenly citing the wrong number. The correct figure is over 15 million jobs, a dramatic undercount that he quickly corrected.
The president continued to emphasize his administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, pointing to significant legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He claimed these measures had helped to turn the economy around and set it on a path to recovery.
“We’ve made historic investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and job creation,” Biden said. “These are not just numbers on a page; they are real opportunities for American workers and families.”
Trump, in his response, painted a starkly different picture. “Everything was rocking good,” he said, referring to the economy during his presidency. He accused Biden of mismanaging the economic recovery and blamed him for the current high inflation rates.
“We had almost no inflation when I left office. Joe Biden blew it up,” Trump asserted, making Biden shake his head.
Healthcare
Healthcare emerged as another critical topic during the debate, with both candidates addressing the issue of insulin prices. Biden touted his administration’s success in reducing insulin costs, stating, “It’s $15 for an insulin shot, as opposed to $400.” However, this statement was an overstatement. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which Biden signed into law, capped insulin prices at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries, not $15.
Biden’s broader point was about making healthcare more affordable and accessible. He highlighted other measures his administration had taken to reduce prescription drug prices and expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
“We’ve made it so that people don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the medicine they need,” Biden said. He also mentioned efforts to lower overall healthcare costs, which he argued would benefit millions of Americans.
Trump, in response, took credit for initial steps to reduce insulin costs, claiming, “I’m the one that got the insulin down for the seniors.” While Trump did announce a Medicare program offering some drug plans that capped insulin at $35 per month, it was a voluntary program for insurers, not a mandate.
The former president also criticized Biden’s broader healthcare policies, arguing that they would lead to higher costs and reduced quality of care. “Biden’s policies are a disaster for healthcare in this country,” Trump said.
The healthcare discussion also included a broader debate on the future of Medicare and Medicaid. Biden accused Trump of wanting to cut these essential programs, citing Republican proposals to raise the retirement age and reduce benefits. “We’re not going to let them take away the safety net that millions of Americans rely on,” Biden declared. Trump, however, denied these accusations, stating, “We’re not going to touch your Social Security or Medicare.”
National debt
The candidates also sparred over the national debt and broader economic claims. Trump asserted that the U.S. was ready to start paying down its national debt before the pandemic, blaming Biden for the current fiscal situation.
“We were ready to start paying down the national debt, but the pandemic hit, and everything changed,” Trump said. This claim, however, does not align with the facts. Budget deficits were increasing under Trump due to his 2017 tax cuts, which did not pay for themselves as he had promised.
Biden countered by highlighting the economic challenges he inherited, including a significant budget deficit. “When I took office, we were in a deep hole. We had to make tough choices to get our economy back on track,” Biden said. He pointed to his administration’s efforts to reduce the deficit through targeted investments and fiscal discipline.
“We’ve cut the deficit by more than $1 trillion, and we’re not done yet,” Biden added.
The debate also touched on Trump’s tax policies. Trump defended his 2017 tax cuts, claiming they spurred economic growth and benefited all Americans. “We created jobs, we lowered taxes, and the economy was booming,” Trump said. However, Biden argued that the tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy and increased the national debt. “Those tax cuts were a giveaway to the rich at the expense of working families,” Biden stated.
Biden’s administration has proposed rolling back some of the 2017 tax cuts to fund infrastructure projects and social programs. “We need to invest in our future, and that means making sure everyone pays their fair share,” Biden said. Trump, however, warned that raising taxes would stifle economic growth and hurt American businesses. “Biden’s tax hikes will kill jobs and drive companies overseas,” Trump claimed.
At a certain moment in the debate, Biden lost his train of thought discussing tax rates and billionaires, mumbling about COVID and saying, “we finally beat Medicare.” As he tried to continue, Tapper cut him off as his time was up.
Abortion
Abortion rights became a focal point of the debate, with Biden and Trump offering starkly different views on the issue. Biden blamed Trump for the deluge of state abortion restrictions following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “The idea of turning abortion laws back to states is like saying we’re going to turn civil rights back to the states,” Biden said, emphasizing the need for federal protection of reproductive rights.
Trump, on the other hand, highlighted his role in appointing three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “I put three great Supreme Court justices on the court, and they happened to vote in favor of killing Roe v. Wade and putting it back to the states,” Trump stated. He also expressed his support for exceptions to abortion bans in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Biden strongly criticized Trump’s rhetoric on abortion, particularly his false claims about “abortions after birth.” The president called these statements inflammatory and misleading, pointing out that such procedures are not legally permitted and constitute infanticide, which is criminalized in every state.
“Trump’s language is designed to stigmatize and mislead,” Biden argued.
The debate on abortion also touched on the broader implications for women’s rights and healthcare. Biden warned that a second Trump term could lead to nationwide abortion restrictions, further eroding reproductive rights.
“We cannot go back to a time when women didn’t have control over their own bodies,” Biden said. He emphasized his commitment to protecting and expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including contraception and family planning services.
Trump, however, framed the abortion debate as a matter of states’ rights and moral values. “We need to respect the will of the people and let states decide what’s best for their communities,” Trump said. He accused Biden of supporting extreme abortion policies and claimed that most Americans agree with the restrictions put in place by conservative states.
While answering a question about abortion, Biden abruptly mentioned the recent murder of a young woman by an immigrant, likely referring to a 12-year-old Houston girl allegedly killed by two Venezuelan men who entered the country illegally. The connection to abortion was not clear.
Immigration
Immigration was another contentious topic, with both candidates addressing the issue from different perspectives. Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce illegal border crossings, noting a 40% reduction since implementing asylum restrictions in June.
“We’ve implemented measures that are working, and we’re seeing results,” Biden said. He also emphasized his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Trump, however, criticized Biden’s immigration policies as ineffective and dangerous. “We had the safest border in history. Now it’s a disaster,” Trump claimed. He reiterated his unproven claims about migrants coming from mental institutions and criticized Biden for what he described as lax border security.
“Biden is letting criminals and drug dealers pour into our country,” Trump asserted, though he did not provide evidence to support these claims.
Biden countered by pointing to his administration’s efforts to address the root causes of migration, such as violence and poverty in Central America. “We’re working with our partners in the region to create safer and more stable conditions so people don’t feel forced to leave their homes,” Biden said. He also highlighted initiatives to improve border security through technology and better coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The debate also touched on the issue of asylum seekers and the processing of immigration cases. Biden defended his administration’s decision to halt asylum processing in overwhelmed border areas, arguing it was a necessary measure to manage the flow of migrants.
“We’re working to ensure that our asylum system is fair and efficient, while also protecting our borders,” Biden stated. Trump, however, accused Biden of undermining the asylum system and endangering American communities.
Foreign policy
On foreign policy, Trump claimed that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office, citing his strong relationships with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. “If we had a real president, a president that was respected by Putin, he would have never invaded Ukraine,” Trump said. He also called Putin’s tactics in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine “genius” and “very savvy.”
Biden countered by emphasizing his support for NATO and criticizing Trump for undermining the alliance. “This is a guy who wants to pull out of NATO,” Biden said, adding that he “got 50 other nations” to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Biden stressed the importance of NATO in maintaining global security and deterring aggression from adversaries like Russia.
The debate also highlighted the candidates’ differing approaches to handling international conflicts. Biden emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement and building coalitions with allies.
“We’re stronger when we work together with our allies,” Biden said. He pointed to his administration’s efforts to strengthen NATO and increase defense spending among member countries. “We’ve made it clear that an attack on one is an attack on all,” he added.
Trump, however, criticized NATO allies for not paying their fair share for defense and questioned the value of the alliance. “We’re carrying the burden for everyone else. It’s time for them to step up,” Trump said. He argued that the U.S. should focus on its own security and economic interests, rather than being the world’s policeman. “We need to put America first,” Trump declared, reiterating his signature foreign policy stance.
The president responded to Trump’s NATO comments, quipping “He has no idea what the hell he’s talking about.”
NATO members don’t pay “dues” but commit to spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense. This year, a record 23 nations will meet that target. While Trump pushed for higher spending, it was Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine that truly spurred the increase.
Biden also addressed Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders, including Putin and Kim Jong Un. “This is a guy who cozied up to dictators and undermined our democratic allies,” Biden said. He criticized Trump’s praise for these leaders, arguing that it weakened the U.S.’s standing in the world.
“We need to stand up for our values and our allies, not bow down to dictators,” Biden asserted.
Climate change
Biden called climate change the greatest threat to humanity and touted the Inflation Reduction Act, which he described as the most significant climate legislation ever passed. “We’ve made historic investments in clean energy and reducing carbon emissions,” Biden said. He emphasized the need for urgent action to combat climate change, warning that failing to do so would have catastrophic consequences.
Trump, however, downplayed the urgency of the climate crisis and focused on his administration’s record in protecting air and water. “I want absolutely immaculate, clean water, and I want absolutely clean air,” Trump said. He claimed that during his presidency, the U.S. had “the best environmental numbers ever,” although it was unclear what specific metrics he was referring to. Trump criticized Biden’s climate policies, arguing that they would hurt the economy and lead to job losses.
Biden responded by highlighting the economic opportunities presented by transitioning to a clean energy economy. “We can create millions of good-paying jobs in clean energy,” Biden said. He pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions for investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency. “This is about building a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren,” Biden stated.
The debate also touched on the international dimensions of climate change. Biden emphasized the importance of rejoining the Paris Agreement and working with other countries to address the global climate crisis.
“Climate change is a global problem, and we need global solutions,” Biden said. He criticized Trump for withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and undermining international efforts to combat climate change. “We need to lead by example and bring the world together to tackle this challenge,” Biden added.
Trump, however, argued that international agreements like the Paris Agreement were unfair to the U.S. and benefited other countries at America’s expense. “We were getting ripped off,” Trump claimed. He emphasized the need for energy independence and criticized Biden’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel production. “We need all forms of energy, including oil and gas,” Trump said.
Trump’s legal troubles and Jan. 6
The debate also delved into Trump’s legal troubles and the January 6th Capitol riot. Tapper asked Trump whether he violated his oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Trump deflected the question, instead pivoting to issues like immigration and taxes. “I encouraged people to act peacefully and patriotically,” Trump said, referring to his speech on January 6th.
Trump claimed then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “turned down” his offer to send “10,000 soldiers or National Guard” during the Jan. 6 insurrection. That’s false. Pelosi doesn’t control the National Guard. As the Capitol was attacked, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called for military assistance, including the National Guard.
Biden seized the opportunity to highlight Trump’s recent felony conviction in New York. He also criticized Trump’s rhetoric and actions leading up to the January 6th riot, arguing that they represented a serious threat to American democracy.
“The idea that you have the right to seek retribution against any American just because you’re president is wrong. Simply wrong,” Biden stated.
The discussion also touched on Trump’s broader legal issues, including his ongoing trials and investigations. Biden tried to emphasize the gravity of Trump’s legal woes, saying, “He has a lot of cases down the road coming out.”
However, Trump sought to downplay the significance of these legal battles, claiming they were politically motivated. “It’s all a witch hunt. They’re coming after me because I’m fighting for you,” Trump told the audience.
Biden also addressed the issue of political violence, condemning Trump’s apparent leniency towards the January 6th rioters. “Trump has floated pardons for these rioters, suggesting they were peaceful and are now being politically persecuted,” Biden said.
He highlighted the violent nature of the attack on the Capitol, noting that more than 1,400 people had been charged with federal offenses, and over 850 had pleaded guilty to crimes. “We cannot allow this kind of violence and lawlessness to go unchecked,” Biden asserted.
Age
Biden, who is 81 years old, acknowledged that age is a legitimate concern for voters but defended his ability to handle the demands of the presidency. “I understand people are worried about my age, but let me tell you, I’ve never been more ready for the challenges ahead,” Biden said. He emphasized his experience and record of accomplishments, arguing that he had the wisdom and judgment needed to lead the country.
Trump, who is 78 years old, also faced questions about his cognitive ability. He boasted about passing a cognitive test during his presidency and cited his recent golf championships as evidence of his mental and physical fitness. “I think I’m in very good shape,” Trump said, claiming he feels as good as he did 25 or 30 years ago. He criticized Biden’s performance during the debate, suggesting that his opponent was not up to the job.
Biden responded by challenging Trump’s claims about his cognitive tests and fitness. “The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is designed to detect early signs of memory loss and other mild cognitive impairment. It’s not a measure of overall intelligence or fitness for office,” Biden stated. He also highlighted his own record of accomplishments, arguing that his leadership had been effective and decisive. “We’ve made significant progress on many fronts, and we’re just getting started,” Biden said.
The debate on age and cognitive ability reflects broader concerns among voters about the candidates’ fitness for office. According to a recent Gallup poll, 59% of U.S. adults are “very concerned” that Biden is too old to be president, while only 18% have the same level of concern about Trump. This issue is likely to be a significant factor in the election, particularly among voters who prioritize experience and leadership qualities.
Biden also addressed Trump’s claims about his own fitness, arguing that his opponent’s behavior and rhetoric were evidence of poor judgment and temperament. “This guy talks about being tough, but he’s all talk and no action,” Biden said. He emphasized the importance of steady, reliable leadership, contrasting his own approach with what he described as Trump’s erratic and divisive behavior. “We need a president who can bring people together and get things done,” Biden stated.
“This guy’s three years younger and a lot less competent,” Biden added, referring to Trump.
Personal attacks
Throughout the debate, personal attacks flew back and forth between Biden and Trump, adding a layer of intensity to the proceedings. The exchanges often strayed from policy discussions, delving into deeply personal territory and reflecting the animosity between the two candidates.
Trump repeatedly attacked Biden’s son, Hunter, bringing up his recent felony conviction on firearms charges. “Your son is a convicted felon,” Trump said, referencing Hunter Biden’s legal troubles. He sought to link Biden’s family issues to his capability as a leader, suggesting corruption and incompetence. “This guy’s family is a mess, and he can’t even control that. How can he control the country?” Trump asserted.
Biden, in turn, did not shy away from hitting back. He referenced Trump’s own legal troubles, including his felony conviction in New York. “The only person on this stage that’s a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at right now,” Biden said, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against Trump. He also highlighted Trump’s past scandals, including the alleged affair with a porn star and the subsequent hush money payments. “You have the morals of an alley cat,” Biden charged.
The debate also saw Trump making disparaging remarks about Biden’s mental fitness and physical stamina. “You’re not the same Joe Biden from years ago. You’ve lost a step,” Trump said, questioning Biden’s ability to serve another term. Biden countered by challenging Trump’s own fitness, pointing to his cognitive tests and boasting about his golf game. “This guy brags about golf trophies while the country is in crisis,” Biden retorted.
Trump boasted about winning two championships at his golf course and claimed Biden can’t hit the ball 50 yards. Biden, who said he had a six handicap during the time he was vice president, challenged Trump to a golf match but only if the latter carry his bags himself, saying, “Think you can do it?” Trump tried to end the discussion, saying, “Let’s not act like children.” Biden replied, “You are a child.”
Biden’s handicap is listed as 6.7 in the United States Golf Association’s website, while Trump’s is 2.5. In golf, a lower handicap means a better player.
The exchanges became particularly heated when discussing their respective handling of the economy and foreign policy. Trump accused Biden of being weak on the world stage, claiming, “The whole world is blowing up under him.” Biden fired back, saying, “I’ve never heard so much malarkey in my whole life.”
Closing
In their closing remarks, Biden and Trump offered starkly different visions for the future of the country. Biden focused on his administration’s progress on various issues, including the economy, healthcare, and climate change. “We’ve made significant progress from the debacle that was left by President Trump in his last term,” Biden said. He emphasized his commitment to building a better future for all Americans and called for unity and cooperation. “We need to come together and work as one nation to tackle the challenges ahead,” Biden stated.
Biden also addressed the issue of taxes, highlighting his administration’s efforts to make the tax system fairer and more equitable. “We’ve made sure that everyone pays their fair share, and we’re using that revenue to invest in our future,” Biden said. He pointed to the expansion of child-care credits, efforts to replace lead pipes, and measures to combat inflation as examples of his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of working families. “We’re building a stronger, more resilient economy for the future,” Biden declared.
Trump, in his closing remarks, painted a much darker picture of the state of the country under Biden’s leadership. “We’re living in hell,” Trump said, blaming Biden for what he described as widespread chaos and decline. He criticized Biden for “allowing millions and millions of people to pour in” through the southern border and claimed that Biden’s policies had made the country less safe. “All he does is make our country unsafe,” Trump charged.
The former president also emphasized his commitment to making America great again, a central theme of his campaign. “We’re going to make it great again,” Trump said. He promised to restore law and order, rebuild the economy, and protect American interests at home and abroad. “We’re living in hell right now, but we can turn it around. We need strong leadership and a clear vision for the future,” Trump stated.
In his closing remarks, Trump also claimed that the current state of the country was “100 times, Charlottesville a thousand times” worse. “You talk about Charlottesville, this is 100 times, Charlottesville a thousand times the whole country is exploding because of you, because they don’t respect you,” Trump said to Biden.
In essence, Trump was equating the country’s state to the incident involving a white supremacist rally called “Unite the Right,” organized to protest the removal of a Confederate statue that led to violence, killing Heather Heyer and injuring many others. The incident, ironically, happened at the start of Trump’s term in 2017. His response, particularly his statement that there were “very fine people on both sides,” was widely criticized and sparked a national debate about his handling of racial issues and extremism.
Biden responded by emphasizing his commitment to addressing racial injustice and promoting equality. “We’re working to heal the divisions in our country and create a more just and inclusive society,” Biden said. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to support Black businesses, reduce disparities in healthcare and education, and promote criminal justice reform. “We need to stand up for what’s right and make sure everyone has an equal chance to succeed,” Biden stated.
According to a new AP-NORC poll, about half of Americans say the debate is “extremely” or “very” important for the success of Biden’s campaign, and about 4 in 10 say it’s highly important for Trump’s campaign. Most Democrats think the debate is crucial for Biden, while about half of Republicans feel the same about Trump. Independents are less likely to see the debate as important for either candidate, with about one-third saying it’s highly important for each campaign.
Records
The first general election debate of 2024 between Biden and Trump was historic for several reasons. It was the first time a sitting president and a former president faced off on the debate stage. Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, were the oldest candidates to ever participate in a presidential debate. The debate was also unique for having no studio audience and for implementing new microphone muting rules to prevent interruptions, ensuring a more orderly discussion.
Fact-checkers highlighted a significant number of inaccuracies, with Trump making 11 false claims and Biden making 7–the most in a presidential debate. The debate featured a new format, including a coin flip to determine podium positions and no interaction with campaign staff during commercial breaks.
Information for this briefing was found via AP News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
