In a pivotal debate for the 2024 presidential election, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the key battleground states. The debate began without a handshake, setting the tone for a contentious exchange.

 

Trump Criticizes Biden

Trump accused Biden of behaving "like the Palestinians" in response to the Israeli Occupation's aggression on Gaza. He remarked, "He's become like the Palestinians, but they don't like him because he's a very bad Palestinian. He's weak."

 

Trump also addressed the economy, stating, "Inflation is killing our country." He criticized Biden's handling of the economy, claiming that inflation was devastating the nation.

 

Biden's Counterattacks

Biden hit back at Trump for his stance on abortion rights, calling his actions "terrible." He also accused Trump of "exaggerating" and "lying" about the immigration crisis, a major issue in the campaign. Biden said, "There is no data to support what he says. He's exaggerating again, he's lying."

 

Ukraine Conflict

Trump argued that the war in Ukraine would never have happened if the U.S. had a "leader." He criticized the billions of dollars the U.S. has spent supporting Kyiv in its conflict with Moscow.

 

Personal Attacks

Biden labeled Trump as a "convicted" individual, referencing Trump's recent criminal conviction in New York. During the 44-minute debate, Biden pointed at Trump and said, "The only convicted person is the man I'm looking at now on the stage."

 

Trump refused to commit to accepting the results of the upcoming presidential election in November. He reiterated his claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him and stated that political violence is "completely unacceptable." When asked if he could denounce political violence in any form, Trump replied, "Well, I shouldn't have to say it, but I do believe it, it's completely unacceptable."

 

Trump challenged Biden to take a cognitive test, expressing doubts about Biden's mental fitness. "I've taken two cognitive tests and passed both. He hasn't taken any. I'd like to see him take just one simple test and pass the first five questions," Trump said.