The CNN debate between Biden and Trump

First face-to-face confrontation in the 2024 campaign.

Hosted by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

Details of the rules and format of the debate.

Last night the highly anticipated presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was broadcast live from CNN studios.

This is the first head-to-head confrontation of the 2024 campaign.

The event was moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

Both candidates accepted the rules and format established by the network in May.

THEY SAY WHAT IS UNEXPECTED ABOUT BIDEN

AP PHOTO

The voice of the president of the United States, Joe Biden, sounded hoarser and harsher than usual during the debate with his rival, former Republican president Donald Trump.

They claim it is because he has been fighting the flu in recent days, a source familiar with the campaign told EFE.

Biden had spent the last few days at the Camp David presidential complex to prepare for this debate.

The meeting was crucial to demonstrate to voters that he can carry out the job of the Presidency despite being the oldest president in the history of the United States, at 81 years old.

During the CNN debate, Biden struggled with his diction and coughed repeatedly, a problem his doctor attributes to acid reflux.

The February medical report indicated that Biden experiences «occasional symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux» and takes medication to control it. Also, he slurred and repeated words due to his childhood stutter, which still affects him occasionally.

These difficulties could have repercussions for the Democratic Party. A close source cited by EFE suggested that some could ignore the problem, while others will look for solutions.

The debate left an image of Biden struggling with his preparation and communication, reflecting the weight of the years.

TRUMP SAYS WHAT HE WILL DO IF HE LOSES?

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Trump promised to respect the result of the November 5 elections «only if they are fair, legal and good.» He stated that he will accept the result «without a doubt» in that case.

He criticized the 2020 elections as fraudulent, noting that he did not plan to run again until he saw «the terrible work» of Biden, who «is destroying the country.»

Biden doubted that Trump would accept a possible defeat: «I would be surprised, because you are so whiny. «You can’t stand losing,» he said, in a constant exchange of reproaches.

The debate made it clear that the electoral contest will be fierce and deeply divisive.

BIDEN’S BLOW TO TRUMP

Photo: AP

AP PHOTO

Biden took a direct swipe at Trump: «The only person on this stage who is a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at right now.»

In response, Trump immediately counterattacked: «Your son is a convicted criminal.»

The former president did not stop there and brought up the conviction of the president’s son, Hunter Biden, for the illegal purchase of a weapon: «His son is a convicted criminal.»

«He could be a convicted criminal as soon as he leaves the Presidency.»

Trump continued his attack: «This man is a criminal. «I have not done anything wrong, we have a rigged system.»

Tension escalated when Biden emotionally remembered his son Beau, who died of brain cancer and an Iraq veteran, refuting Trump’s accusations:

«My son was not an idiot or a loser. You are an idiot».

The debate turned even more acrimonious when Trump lashed out at Biden on foreign policy, declaring him «the worst commander in chief in our history» and criticizing his handling of veterans.

DOES TRUMP’S NIECE BETRAY HIM?

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Mary Trump, niece of former US President Donald Trump (2017-2021), joined the President Biden’s team, this Thursday, according to Efe.

The above, as a special guest of the «spin room«, the space where the president’s team will comment to the press on the electoral debate this Thursday night.

Mary Trump is one of the voices chosen by the Democratic side to «speak about what is at stake in this election and the clear contrast on the issues that will define it,» a spokesperson said in a statement.

Among those key issues, strengthening the middle class, fighting for the reproductive rights of all women, protecting democracy «and the surprising contrast between the character of each candidate.»

ATTACKS ARE LAUNCHED WITHOUT MERCY

Biden launched a fierce attack on Trump over late-term abortions: “No more!”, while accusing the former president of separating families and locking children in cages.

He claimed to have reduced illegal immigration by 40% during his term.

Trump responded angrily: «We had the most secure border and now it’s a deadly disaster!», denouncing deaths and extreme conditions.

Additionally, Trump criticized Biden for being confused: «»I don’t know what to respond to that argument. I think that not even he himself knows what he just said.

The debate became an epic battle over America’s past and future, with accusations of inhumanity and political failures shaking the country.

The CNN moderator posed a direct question to Trump about the abortion pill. A very controversial topic after the Supreme Court decision that reversed Roe v. Wade.

Trump avoided answering directly, arguing that states should decide the issue instead of Congress.

In the first 15 minutes of the debate, Trump shifted attention to immigration, highlighting concerns about the influx of millions of people from prisons and mental institutions.

BIDEN IN A BETTER POSITION?

Biden and Trump presidential debate PHOTO Shutterstock

The debate, which lasted 90 minutes, included two commercial breaks and was subject to conditions.

The candidates’ position on stage was decided by tossing a coin, according to CNN .

Trump chose to have the former president give the first final closing speech.

Microphones were muted throughout the debate, except when it was the candidate’s turn to speak.

No type of support or pre-written notes were allowed on stage.

Former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden only had a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.

Unlike previous debates, there was no audience present in the studio.

The matchup was crucial as both candidates seek to influence voters and establish a strong narrative for their campaigns.

The broadcast of the debate will become a defining moment in the presidential race.

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