The first general election debate of the 2024 season kicked off Thursday evening in Atalanta, with U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, squaring off as the candidates attempt to lure currently undecided voters.
Here’s the latest:
Quick Read
- Trump and Biden Debate: The first general election debate of the 2024 season kicks off in Atlanta with U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump.
- Debate Format: Moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, with no live audience.
- Candidates’ Goals: Biden aims to reassure voters of his capability at age 81, while Trump seeks to move past his felony conviction and prove his suitability for office.
- Historical Firsts: First debate between two candidates at such advanced ages and first general election debate hosted by CNN.
- VP Picks Presence: Potential Trump running mates, including JD Vance, Doug Burgum, Tim Scott, and Marco Rubio, are in the building and will participate in post-debate analysis.
- Biden’s Pre-Debate Jab: Biden humorously responds to Trump’s drug insinuations by posting about drinking “MAGA Tears” water.
- Candidates’ Arrival: Biden arrived at CNN with his wife, Jill Biden, for the debate.
The Associated Press has the story:
Trump and Biden square off for the first time in the 2024 election season
Newslooks- ATLANTA (AP) —
The first general election debate of the 2024 season kicked off Thursday evening in Atalanta, with U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, squaring off as the candidates attempt to lure currently undecided voters. Biden, the Democratic incumbent, has the opportunity to reassure voters that, at 81, he’s capable of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump could use the moment to try to move past his felony conviction in New York and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office. Thursday’s debate in Atlanta marks at least a couple of firsts — never before have two White House contenders faced off at such advanced ages, and never before has CNN hosted a general election presidential debate.
The debate begins
Thursday’s debate has begun with a recitation of the rules by the hosts, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. No audience is present.
President Joe Biden and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump both slowly walked to their respective podiums as they arrived on the debate stage. They did not shake hands.
Trump’s likely VP picks are in the building
The Republicans seen as Donald Trump’s most likely picks for his running mate will be among those speaking on his behalf to the media after Thursday’s debate.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be advocating for Trump in the post-debate analysis, according to a person familiar with the plan who was not authorized to speak publicly.
They’re all seen as being on Trump’s shortlist for a potential running mate and their performances tonight are expected to be a factor in their audition for the role.
Biden drinks ‘MAGA Tears’ before the debate
President Joe Biden took a jab at Donald Trump’s insinuations that he’s using drugs to enhance his debate performance.
Biden posted photos on social media and a message that he’s been drinking a canned beverage called “Dark Brandon’s Secret Sauce.” It’s just water in a can, but the ingredient label notes Trump’s 34 felony convictions and stresses that the main ingredient in the aluminum can is “MAGA Tears.”
While Biden has tried not to dignify Trump’s criticisms, his campaign is now selling the canned water for $4.60 apiece. Biden noted that his wife, Jill, took the photos of him holding the beverage.
Biden has arrived at CNN
President Joe Biden has arrived at CNN in Atlanta for Thursday’s general election debate. He was accompanied by his wife Jill.
Currently:
— How the Biden-Trump debate could change the trajectory of the 2024 campaign
— How to watch the presidential debate, which begins at 9 p.m. EDT
— Here’s what’s at stake for Biden and Trump in this week’s presidential debate
— A look at the false claims candidates may present mid-debate
— Most Americans plan to watch the Biden-Trump debate, and many see high stakes, an AP-NORC poll finds
