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Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh
29 June 2024 |
On 27 June, US President Joe Biden and former US President Donald Trump clashed for the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections. The debate was moderated by CNN.
US presidential debates have been held annually since the Kennedy-Nixon exchange in 1960, and have become a crucial part of the US political system. The debates play a pivotal role in US politics by influencing undecided voters.
To ensure a fair exchange and prevent crosstalk, the candidates were allotted specific speaking times: two minutes to answer questions, followed by one minute for responses and rebuttals, and one additional minute at the moderators’ discretion. The candidates’ microphones were controlled to prevent interruptions.
The following analysis classifies the various themes discussed in the debates under two heads: external and internal issues.
External Issues
Ukraine: Biden says Ukraine is vital for global stability, Trump stresses “America First”
On Ukraine, Biden emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, stating: “Ukraine’s democracy is vital to global stability.” He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to re-establish the Soviet Empire, and that failing to support Ukraine could lead to further aggression against other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries. Biden pointed out that the US, along with its NATO allies, has provided substantial funding and military support to Ukraine to counteract Russian aggression.
In contrast, Trump criticised the extensive financial aid provided to Ukraine, arguing: “We should be focusing on America first, not meddling in conflicts that don’t directly impact us.” He stressed that the European nations should contribute more to NATO, given their geographical proximity to Russia. Trump claimed that under his leadership, NATO members had increased their financial contributions significantly. Further, he expressed belief that the war in Ukraine should never have started, and pledged to settle the conflict swiftly if re-elected.
Middle East: Biden reiterates three-stage plan, Trump calls him “bad Palestinian”
On Middle East issues, Biden outlined his proposal, endorsed by various international bodies, to resolve the conflict through a three-stage plan: trading hostages for a ceasefire, establishing a ceasefire with additional conditions, and ending the war. He stressed his commitment to a two-state solution and the importance of providing Israel with the necessary weapons while avoiding civilian casualties.
However, Trump suggested that Israel should be allowed to finish its military operations against Hamas without interference. He criticised Biden’s approach, arguing it was too lenient and ineffective. He said: “Middle East policy under my administration was about strength and peace through power. Biden’s approach is weak and emboldens our adversaries.” Trump highlighted his efforts to strengthen US support for Israel and his role in organising international opposition to Iran’s missile attacks. He accused Biden of unduly favouring Palestine, saying: “He’s become like a Palestinian. But they don’t like him, because he’s a very bad Palestinian.”
NATO: Biden stresses NATO’s role in stability, Trump says Europe’s not paying enough
On NATO, Biden underscored the alliance’s significance in maintaining global stability and preventing wars in Europe. He argued that NATO’s strength lies in its collective defence agreements and the support of numerous countries worldwide. Biden suggested that Trump’s stance on potentially leaving NATO would undermine this stability and encourage further Russian aggression.
Trump, on the other hand, took credit for revitalising NATO by pressuring member countries to increase their defence spending. He contended that European nations were not contributing their fair share and that the US was bearing an unfair financial burden. Trump’s rhetoric suggested a more transactional approach to international alliances, prioritising financial contributions over strategic unity.
Immigration and border security: Biden opposes “putting children in cages,” Trump stresses strong enforcement
Biden advocated for a firm but humane approach to border security, highlighting that Trump’s policy of “separating families and putting children in cages is not the answer.” He emphasised the need for secure borders while ensuring migrants are treated with dignity and respect. His plan included increasing the number of border agents and asylum officers, deploying better technology at the border, and addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. He argued that these measures have already reduced illegal crossings and are essential for a fair and effective immigration system. Biden supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those who have contributed positively to society, such as recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
In stark contrast, Trump focused on stringent enforcement and constructing a border wall. He criticised Biden’s policies as too lenient, claiming they have led to an increase in illegal immigration and a rise in criminal activity. He accused Biden of opening “the floodgates, letting in criminals and terrorists.” Trump insisted that only a strong physical barrier and strict enforcement measures can safeguard the country from what he described as chaos and lawlessness at the border. He dismissed Biden’s approach as naive, arguing that it fails to protect American citizens adequately. Trump opposed citizenship opportunities for undocumented migrants, labelling them as “amnesty” that would encourage further illegal immigration.
Internal Issues
Economy: Biden argues he inherited economy “in freefall,” Trump says he made US “greatest economy in history”
Biden defended his economic record by highlighting the challenges he inherited, including an economy “in freefall” due to Trump’s mishandling of COVID-19 and unwarranted tax cuts for businessmen. He pointed to the creation of 800,000 new manufacturing jobs under his tenure and his administration’s efforts to reduce the cost of essentials like prescription drugs. However, he conceded that working-class Americans faced high housing prices, gas, and groceries. Noting these persisting issues, he pledged to address corporate greed by building more housing units and introducing rent ceilings.
Trump countered by asserting that his administration had built “the greatest economy in history” before the pandemic. He criticised Biden’s handling of inflation, accusing him of overspending and causing economic instability. Trump proposed a ten per cent tariff on goods entering the US to reduce trade deficits, a move he claimed would not be inflationary but force other countries, especially China, to pay more.
Gender and social inequalities: Biden emphasises women’s rights; Trump takes credit for Roe v Wade
On racial inequalities, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve relations between Black and White communities through policies aimed at economic and social justice. He pointed to initiatives to address systemic racism and support minority communities. Trump dismissed Biden’s efforts, claiming that under his presidency, unemployment rates for Black Americans were at historic lows and accused Biden of failing to deliver real progress.
On abortion, Biden criticised the overturning of Roe v. Wade, arguing that it undermined women’s rights and compared it to turning civil rights issues back to the states. He highlighted the hardships faced by women unable to access necessary medical care due to restrictive state laws. Trump took credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade judgement, which returned the issue to the states. He expressed support for abortion in exceptional cases like rape, incest, and the life of the mother, and criticised Biden for allowing “radical” abortion policies.
January 6 riots and democracy: Biden claims assault on democracy, Trump says he called peaceful protests
Biden condemned the attack on the Capitol as an assault on democracy. He stressed that Trump should held accountable for inciting the violence and stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles.
Trump denied responsibility, stating: “January 6 was a day of patriotism, not insurrection. I called for peaceful and patriotic protests. The failures that day were on Nancy Pelosi and the D.C. mayor, who rejected my offer for National Guard support.” He questioned the integrity of the investigation into the riots, and accused Biden of weaponising the justice system against his political opponents.
Climate change and the US: Biden stresses on renewables and agreements, Trump promises energy independence
Biden outlined his administration’s commitment to combating climate change through investments in renewable energy and international cooperation. He stressed the urgency of the issue and the need for the US to lead by example.
Trump criticised Biden’s climate policies, arguing that they hurt the economy and energy independence. He questioned the effectiveness of global climate agreements and emphasised the importance of utilising American energy resources.
Closing Statements: Biden stresses unity against challenges, Trump promises to make America great again
The candidates’ closing statements reflected their competing visions for America. Biden called for unity and a collective effort to address the nation’s challenges, emphasising his commitment to building a better future for all Americans. Trump focused on restoring America’s greatness, stating: “we’re in a failing nation, but it’s not going to be failing anymore. We’re going to make it great again.”
