Analysis of the Presidential Debate:
Joe Biden v Donald Trump, June 27, 2024
The first presidential debate of 2024 between Joe Biden and Donald Trump ended a few hours ago, and I’m bringing you my impressions of what I’ve just seen. It served as a crucial platform for the candidates to discuss a wide range of political issues and present their visions for the future of the United States. The debate addressed critical topics such as the economy, immigration, public health, climate change, and national security. Below is a detailed analysis of the questions raised and the candidates’ responses.
Candidate Performance
Joe Biden:
Biden’s performance during the debate was marked by moments of hesitation and difficulty in articulating his responses quickly. He often looked down and lost his train of thought. This performance could raise doubts among voters and within the Democratic Party about his ability to effectively lead for another four years. Party leaders and investors might be considering a more viable candidate than Biden. If Biden continues with this level of performance, the Democratic Party risks losing votes to a third-party candidate, potentially altering the electoral map and dynamics significantly.
Donald Trump:
Trump repeated several falsehoods during the debate, including unfounded claims about abortion and immigration. His aggressive approach and use of erroneous information were highlighted as strategies to divert attention from his own controversies. He often avoided directly answering questions, opting to ramble and sidestep, but at least he appeared decisive and focused.
Economy and Inflation
Joe Biden:
Biden emphasized his post-pandemic economic recovery policies, highlighting job creation and significant infrastructure investments. He stressed that his policies helped stabilize the economy and reduce unemployment rates. Acknowledging the challenges of inflation, Biden argued that his policies were beginning to show positive results in terms of economic stability.
Donald Trump:
Trump criticized Biden’s administration for the rise in inflation, claiming that his economic policies were disastrous for the middle class. He proposed tax cuts for large corporations and deregulation as solutions to revitalize the economy and combat inflation. Trump asserted that the U.S. was becoming a third-world country under Biden’s administration.
Immigration
Joe Biden:
Biden defended his humanitarian policies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. He argued that an inclusive approach to immigration is crucial for the economy and national security.
Donald Trump:
Trump criticized Biden’s immigration policies as weak and inadequate. He promised to restore stricter border measures and complete the construction of the border wall with Mexico to control illegal immigration.
Trump claimed that various terrorists had entered through the border and that illegal immigrants were stealing jobs from Hispanic and Black communities.
Public Health
Joe Biden:
Biden promised to strengthen Obamacare and expand access to healthcare, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of robust healthcare policies to ensure all Americans have access to healthcare services.
Donald Trump:
Trump defended repealing Obamacare, proposing an alternative system that, according to him, would reduce costs and increase efficiency. He criticized Biden’s management of the pandemic, arguing that more effective measures could have been implemented.
Climate Change
Joe Biden:
Biden discussed his plans for investing in clean energy and combating climate change as part of a global effort to reduce carbon emissions.
He highlighted the importance of international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, to collaboratively address climate change.
Donald Trump:
Trump downplayed the importance of climate change, arguing that international agreements harm the U.S. economy. He emphasized the need to prioritize economic growth and U.S. energy independence.
National Security
Joe Biden:
Biden underscored the importance of international alliances and cooperation with traditional allies to ensure national security. He emphasized a diplomatic approach to resolving global conflicts and promoting world peace.
Donald Trump:
He promised to strengthen the U.S. military and adopt a tougher stance against external threats such as Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un. He showed some hesitation in discussing Putin but mentioned the disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan under Biden as a sign of weakness that emboldened Putin to invade Ukraine.
Abortion and Roe v. Wade
Joe Biden: Biden struggled to provide convincing responses on the issue of abortion, a point that could have been used to attack Trump’s conservative positions. He reiterated his support for abortion rights and criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade but failed to turn it into an effective attack during the debate.
Donald Trump:
Trump made false claims about abortions of nine-month-old babies or even after birth, using this to criticize the Democrats’ stance on abortion.
Ukraine
Joe Biden:
Biden highlighted the continuous U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, reinforcing the importance of international alliances and a firm stance against global threats.
Donald Trump:
Trump suggested that the U.S. should focus more on its own interests and less on international conflicts, hinting that aid to Ukraine should be re-evaluated and that the funds sent to Zelensky could be better used for U.S. purposes.
Israel and Hamas
Joe Biden:
Biden emphasized the importance of a two-state solution and U.S. support for Israel’s security while also defending Palestinian rights. He tried to present a balanced stance, supporting Israel while acknowledging Palestinian concerns.
Donald Trump:
Trump criticized Biden’s administration for its approach to the conflict, suggesting he could be more effective in maintaining peace and security in the region. He claimed that under his administration, Hamas would not have attacked Israel due to lack of funds, as his tough stance on Iran had cut off terrorist funding. He also affirmed that the US should “Let Israel finish the job”.
Capitol Attack on January 6
Donald Trump:
When asked if he broke his oath to protect the Constitution by inciting or allowing the events of January 6 to unfold, Trump tried to divert the conversation, minimizing his responsibility and blaming Nancy Pelosi, the then-Speaker, while focusing on criticizing Biden’s administration.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Joe Biden:
Biden defended the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan as a necessary measure to end a prolonged war and redirect resources to domestic priorities.
Donald Trump:
Trump criticized the withdrawal, arguing that it was poorly executed and compromised U.S. and allied security. He repeatedly called it the worst day in American history and claimed that Biden’s actions had brought the world closer to a third world war.
