President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump kicked off their first 2024 presidential debate without shaking hands, immediately diving into a discussion on policy. They engaged in a 90-minute faceoff that was marked by some key moments.
The initial exchange centered around the economy, with Biden highlighting the economic progress made during his presidency, claiming to have rescued it from chaos when he took office. Trump, on the other hand, boasted about the state of the economy during his tenure, attributing any current challenges to Biden.
Another important topic discussed during the debate was abortion rights. Biden accused Trump of eroding these rights with the appointment of three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. Biden pledged to reinstate the law under Roe in a potential second term.
In response, Trump defended his stance on abortion, claiming to have returned the issue to the people through state laws. He reiterated his support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother, while falsely accusing Biden of extreme views on abortion.
The debate showcased the sharp policy differences between the two candidates, setting the stage for a heated and contentious campaign ahead.