The first televised debate between former Republican President Donald Trump and the current occupant of the White House, Democrat Joe Biden, was tense. The two men who, barring any last minute surprises, should face each other in November during the presidential election in the United States, met this Thursday (6/27/2024), for an hour and a half on the CNN channel.
Only four months before the presidential election, this duel could well influence the future of the country.
It was the first time that the two rival candidates had met for a direct confrontation since 2020. No handshake upon arriving on the channel’s set or exchange of pleasantries throughout the evening. Joe Biden accuses Donald Trump of “lying”, while the latter challenges the current president to submit to a “cognitive test”.
The two men, who hate each other, also discussed major themes such as the economy, health, and especially immigration.
Impact on opinion
This heated debate sparked passionate reactions among voters on both sides. “Biden seemed unprepared and a little disoriented, as did Trump who was holding back a lot,” comments Scott Pearl, 70, a longtime Republican. “For this first debate, I’m leaning more towards Trump. Biden seemed disconnected, perhaps because of his age and health problems. He didn’t win this debate,” he adds.
Report by Jean-Claude Abalo
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In the opposite camp, we recognize that Joe Biden had difficulty getting started, in the words of his vice-president, Kamala Harris, but we remain convinced that his migration policy is better.
“What I find abhorrent about Trump’s comments is his idea that opening the borders would bring terrorists into the country. As an immigrant, I am not a terrorist. Not all immigrants are terrorists. It is unacceptable to designate all immigrants as terrorists. I would have liked to support Trump, but after this debate, I prefer Biden,” tranche another person interviewed by DW.
Was this first debate enough to sort things out? Opinions remain mixed.
“I might give Biden 45 and Trump 40. But that doesn’t change my view on who I’m voting for. I know who I’m voting for, and the debates aren’t going to change my view,” explains yet another person.
The second presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
