According to Voice of America, Biden, one of two candidates facing off for the first time since the election four years ago, performed in a back-and-forth manner while Trump launched a string of verbal attacks that included numerous falsehoods.
The paper said Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, were seeking a breakthrough in a race that opinion polls have shown to be deadlocked for months.
The candidates were under pressure to prove they could handle the issues well and avoid verbal stumbles. Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and growing legal problems have been seen as weaknesses, especially as Biden grapples with concerns about his age and dynamism.
Current President Joe Biden’s hoarseness drew attention, particularly in the first 30 minutes of the program, and White House officials offered information that he had a cold.
As Biden and Trump grilled each other on topics including the economy, immigration and abortion rights, among others, Biden, 81, was held up several times while answering questions about the national debt.
Biden called “billionaires” “trillionaires” before correcting himself, and he couldn’t seem to finish his sentence while arguing that the rich should pay more taxes. It wasn’t very well-understood when he finished it.
“We finally won Medicare for America,” Biden said, likely referring to the pandemic.
Trump, 78, seized the opportunity to say, “He’s right. He defeated Medicare. He defeated Medicare, the government’s national health insurance program.”
As the debate progressed, Biden appeared to quicken the rhythm of his speech and make more focused attacks.
Midway through the debate, Biden called Trump “guilty,” making his first reference to Trump’s conviction for covering up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.
In response, Trump brought up the recent conviction of Biden’s son, Hunter, for lying about using drugs to buy a gun.
When asked about the storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, the former president denied any responsibility and insisted that most of those arrested were innocent.
“This guy has no idea about American democracy,” Biden scoffed. “There’s a reason why 40 of the 44 members of the Cabinet refused to endorse Biden this time. The vice president didn’t endorse Biden this time. Why? They know him well, they’ve served with him. Why wouldn’t they? Would you support him?'” he said.
