Joe Biden and Donald Trump clashed in a televised debate as they vie for the US presidency in 2024. The debate, held in Atlanta, Georgia, was the first of its kind for this campaign and was notable for its controlled format, aimed at preventing interruptions.
Both candidates avoided acknowledging each other upon taking the stage. This debate was more orderly than their previous encounters, with strict rules ensuring that only the speaker’s microphone was on, reducing interruptions.
The debate covered key topics such as the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, abortion rights, and immigration. Biden and Trump each had two minutes to respond to questions, with their microphones muted when it was not their turn to speak.
The debate, hosted by CNN, was unique as it took place earlier in the election cycle than any other in modern history. Biden and Trump, who last faced each other in the 2020 election, were meeting in a rematch, the first such occurrence since 1956.
Observers noted that Trump appeared more energetic, while Biden struggled with his voice and seemed less animated. Trump continued to spread misinformation and criticized Biden on immigration and economic issues. Biden, in turn, accused Trump of promoting falsehoods and failing in his previous presidential term.
The debate ended without any major incidents, but it sparked discussions about Biden’s potential decision to step aside for a new nominee, though this remains unlikely. The debate’s impact on undecided voters remains to be seen.
