DEBATING THE FUTURE: BIDEN AND TRUMP CLASH ON KEY ISSUES, REDEFINING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
The presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump marked a significant turning point in American political history, ushering in a new era of political discourse that will shape the future of elections to come.
The debate which was held on June 27, 2024, at Atlanta, Georgia met an intense clashes over policy and personal attacks, with both candidates accusing each other of being unfit to serve as president.
The debate covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, abortion, immigration, the Ukraine conflict, climate change, social security, and age. Both candidates presented their visions for the country’s future, often in stark contrast to each other.
According to a snap post-debate CNN survey, Trump convincingly won the debate by a 67% -33% margin. Some Democrats expressed alarm at Biden’s performance, citing concerns about his ability to connect with voters and effectively counter Trump’s attacks.
The debate began with a peculiar exchange, with Biden and Trump arguing over which of them is physically and cognitively stronger. Trump boasted about his strength, while Biden implied his opponent was lying about both his height and weight.
The discussion quickly turned to foreign policy, with Trump labeling Biden a “bad Palestinian”after the former president stated that the United States is the biggest supporter of Israel in the world. The exchange highlighted the stark differences between the two candidates’ approaches to international relations.
Abortion was another contentious issue, with Trump accusing Biden and his party of allowing late-term abortions. Biden refuted the claim, emphasizing his commitment to reproductive rights.
Immigration also proved to be a divisive topic, with Trump accusing Biden of “opening up the safest border in the world to terrorists, prisoners.” Biden countered by highlighting the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
In a concerning moment, Trump refused to say if he would honor the election result, stating he would only accept the results if the election is “free and fair”. The comment raised questions about the former president’s commitment to democracy.
Throughout the debate, both candidates traded barbs and insults, each attempting to outmaneuver the other. While the exchange was often heated, it provided valuable insight into the candidates’ policies and approaches to governance.
The second debate, scheduled for September 10, 2024, is highly anticipated, and many expect it to be just as intense and revealing as the first. One thing is certain – the Biden-Trump debates have reinvigorated political discourse, and the American people are eager to see what the future holds.
As the election season heats up, the first presidential debate set the tone for what promises to be a contentious and closely watched campaign.
Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
abdulmalikabdulkadir@gmail.com
Kogi State, Nigeria.
