Trump wins first presidential debate of 2024 against Biden

ATLANTA,— President Joe Biden’s allies scrambled on Friday to mitigate the fallout from his underwhelming performance in the first 2024 U.S. presidential debate, where he faced a torrent of attacks and misinformation from his Republican rival, Donald Trump.

Hopes were high within Biden’s camp that a strong showing would quell concerns about the 81-year-old Democratic incumbent’s ability to serve another term. However, Biden’s hoarse voice and occasional stumbling over words, particularly in the debate’s early stages, did little to alleviate those worries.

A Biden donor, requesting anonymity, described the performance as “disqualifying,” predicting that some Democrats might reconsider Biden’s candidacy before the party’s national convention in August. Messages among panicked Democrats reflected uncertainty about Biden’s future, with a senior strategist noting the unprecedented nature of an incumbent stepping down this late in the election cycle.

Interviews with undecided voters confirmed a negative reception of Biden’s performance, describing it as weak and embarrassing. White House officials attempted damage control, attributing Biden’s lackluster showing to a cold. This explanation only underscored the anxiety within his team.

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden’s slow start but emphasized his accomplishments over his 3.5-year presidency, suggesting they outweighed one 90-minute debate. California Governor Gavin Newsom, seen as a potential alternative if Biden steps aside, dismissed the idea of replacing the president.

Trump, 78, also faces scrutiny over his fitness for office, especially after his recent conviction in New York and ongoing legal battles. Despite Trump’s numerous falsehoods during the debate, the spotlight remained on Biden’s performance.

Polls reveal widespread dissatisfaction with both candidates, highlighting a deeply polarized electorate and concerns about potential political violence post-election. The debate, held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, occurred unusually early in the campaign, allowing time for Biden to recover as new events shift public focus.

Following the debate, Biden made an early morning stop at a Waffle House in Atlanta, telling reporters, “I think we did well.” When asked about concerns over his performance, he responded, “No. It’s hard to debate a liar,” Biden remarked as he pressed on with his campaign. He held a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, before heading to New York for a fundraiser and a monument dedication.

Trump, aiming to gain ground, scheduled a rally in Virginia, a state he has lost twice but hopes to win in November. The debate saw heated clashes on the economy, abortion, immigration, and foreign conflicts, with personal attacks highlighting the candidates’ mutual disdain. Trump reiterated false claims about the 2020 election, accused Democrats of supporting infanticide, and defended his supporters involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Biden struggled to counter Trump’s falsehoods in real-time, and CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash did not correct Trump on-air. However, Biden managed some critical hits, calling Trump a felon and noting the lack of endorsements from Trump’s former cabinet. He also held Trump responsible for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn nationwide abortion rights.

On immigration, Trump accused Biden of failing to secure the southern border, while studies indicate immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. The candidates’ dislike for each other was evident, with Biden labeling Trump a “whiner” and a “child,” and Trump calling Biden a “disaster” and a “Manchurian candidate.”

The campaign’s second and final debate is scheduled for September, providing both candidates another opportunity to sway voters.

(With files from Reuters)