In a tense and highly anticipated first debate of the 2024 US presidential campaign, President Joe Biden faltered significantly - physically - against his rival, former President Donald Trump – on stage. The 81-year-old incumbent's performance, marred by moments of hesitation, coughing fits, and a visible struggle to maintain coherence, has sparked a wave of concern about his capability to continue his re-election campaign.
As millions of Americans tuned in to the live debate from Atlanta, Georgia, Biden's voice often wavered, and he frequently referred to his notes instead of addressing the camera directly. The debate, initially focused on the US economy, saw Biden repeatedly confusing figures, pausing to correct himself, and ultimately losing his train of thought during a critical discussion on tax policy.
In a particularly damaging exchange, Biden's rambling response on tax policy veered into health policy, where he confusingly stated, “Look, we finally beat Medicare,” before being cut off by the moderators.
BREAKING: Joe Biden just froze on the debate stage.#PresidentialDebate2024 pic.twitter.com/XYvBWNOxGm— NOISE ALERTS (@NoiseAlerts) June 28, 2024
The White House later briefed the media that the president was suffering from a cold, a claim Biden himself echoed to reporters, saying, “I have a sore throat.” However, the admission did little to assuage the concerns raised by his performance.
Despite Biden's faltering, Trump’s performance was not without flaws. The Republican candidate delivered a series of clumsy responses and notably avoided confirming whether he would accept the results of the upcoming November election.
The debate was notable not only for its high stakes but also for the strict rules imposed by host CNN, which aimed to prevent the chaotic scenes of their 2020 encounter. Despite these measures, the evening was marked by sharp personal attacks.
Trump just released a brutal 95 second ad of Joe Biden's debate lowlights: pic.twitter.com/enusIKHhwN— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 28, 2024
In one of the night's lighter moments, the two sparred over their golfing abilities. Trump used a question about his mental and physical fitness to boast about his skill on the golf course, to which Biden responded with laughter and a jab about Trump’s weight. “Just look at what he says he is and compare it to what he is,” Biden quipped.
He then offered to play a round of golf against Trump, on the condition that Trump carry his own bag. The exchange ended with Trump admonishing, “Let’s not act like children,” to which Biden retorted, “You are a child.”
The debate was a historic one, marking the first time a sitting US president and a former president faced off on stage.
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