Conflicts Surrounding Economic, Immigration, and Abortion Issues
"Criminal" and "Complainer" Verbal Dispute Also Occurs
U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off again after four years in the first candidate TV debate of this election on the 27th (local time). With the two candidates' approval ratings neck and neck ahead of the November election, this 90-minute one-on-one debate is expected to have a significant impact on the future race.
Following pre-established rules, the two candidates faced each other for 90 minutes armed only with a pen, paper, and a bottle of water. Bringing pre-prepared materials or communicating with campaign aides was prohibited. Upon entering the studio, both sides stood at their podiums without shaking hands or greeting each other, engaging in a tense standoff even before the debate began. During the debate, harsh language such as "felon," "worst president," and "terrible thing" was exchanged.
Biden: "Economy in shambles because of Trump" VS Trump: "Greatest economy ever"
The first topic was the economy. President Biden immediately criticized former President Trump's economic policies as the debate began. He said, "The U.S. economy was a mess. It was in free fall," and added, "Many people died because of the failure to properly handle the COVID-19 pandemic."
He also highlighted achievements during his term, such as the creation of 800,000 manufacturing jobs, noting that there were no jobs and unemployment rose to 15%. Regarding the serious inflation problem currently affecting the U.S., he pointed out that former President Trump bears some responsibility.
In response, former President Trump said, "We had the greatest economy in American history," and countered, "The only jobs he (President Biden) created were for illegal immigrants." He also claimed, "He responded very poorly to America's inflation. It is absolutely killing our country."
President Biden responded to Trump's claim of having the greatest economy by saying, "He's the only one who thinks that," and added, "We had the largest tax cuts in American history, and he created a bigger fiscal deficit during his term."
Trump: "Terrorists entering"… Biden: "Illegal immigration down 40%"
The candidates also clashed fiercely over illegal immigration, a major concern for American voters. Former President Trump claimed that more immigrants were entering under the Biden administration, increasing crime, and said, "There is no border anymore, so they are killing American citizens in every state, including New York and California." He added that during his administration, "We had the safest border in history," and that "(Currently) the largest number of terrorists in the world are entering the U.S. right now."
President Biden rebutted by citing recent administrative measures, saying, "Now, the number of people crossing the border illegally has decreased by 40%. It's better than when he (Trump) left the White House." He also criticized, "During Trump's administration, babies were separated from their mothers and locked in cages. That is not right."
Clash over 'Roe v. Wade' ruling… Russia-Ukraine war and Gaza conflict also key issues
Abortion rights were also a major topic in this election debate. President Biden referred to the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling, which guaranteed women's abortion rights, calling it a "terrible thing." He pointed out that three Supreme Court justices who played a decisive role in overturning Roe v. Wade were appointed during Trump's presidency.
Biden stated that if re-elected, he would codify the abortion-related provisions outlined in Roe v. Wade into federal law, effectively legalizing abortion nationwide. In contrast, former President Trump said he would allow exceptions but believes the decision should be made by individual states.
International issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict were also discussed.
Former President Trump criticized Biden for providing over $200 million in aid to Ukraine, saying, "Every time Ukrainian President Zelensky visits the U.S., he takes $60 billion." He claimed that if he were president, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine, stating, "Before taking office, as president-elect, I would end the war between Putin and Zelensky." Although he did not specify concrete measures, he rejected Putin's conditions to end the war, which include Russia retaining occupied territories and Ukraine abandoning its NATO membership.
President Biden responded, "Putin is a war criminal," and said, "This man (Trump) wants to withdraw from NATO. I've never heard such foolish talk." He added, "I have gotten 50 countries worldwide, including South Korea, to support Ukraine."
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden said his proposed three-step ceasefire plan is the best solution. Former President Trump criticized Biden's Middle East policy, saying it was "like Palestine."
"10% Tariff Fair" VS "Raises Prices"
The debate also featured a heated exchange over one of former President Trump's major campaign promises: imposing a universal 10% tariff. When asked whether the 10% tariff would lead to price increases, Trump said, "It will not raise prices," and added, "(The tariff) will bring fairness to China and others who have been ripping us off for years."
On the other hand, President Biden argued, "Trump will raise middle-class taxes by adding tariffs," and said, "This will cost more than $2,500 annually on average."
They also clashed over environmental issues. When asked about policies addressing the climate crisis, former President Trump said, "We want completely clean water and air. And we had that."
President Biden countered, "I don't know where he was," and mentioned Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement during his term, saying, "He did nothing but undo what we had done."
Former President Trump said, "The agreement would have cost us $1 trillion, but China, Russia, and India do nothing. I didn't want to waste money, so I withdrew." He also criticized Biden's environmental policies as a "new green scam."
"Trump is a criminal" VS "Biden's son is a criminal" verbal brawl… 'Golf' dispute also
Neither candidate held back harsh remarks against the other. Although microphones were turned off when it was not their turn to speak, preventing interruptions, they exchanged aggressive comments such as calling each other the "worst president" face-to-face, continuing the verbal battle.
President Biden labeled former President Trump a "convicted felon," highlighting judicial risks including allegations of hush money for sexual assault. He referenced former adult film actress Stormy Daniels' claim that she had a sexual relationship with Trump during his marriage to Melania, criticizing, "He had relations with a porn star while his wife was pregnant. He has the morality of a stray cat." Biden also expressed doubt that Trump would accept the election results if he lost, calling him a "whiner," alluding to Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Former President Trump claimed that immigrants live in luxury hotels while veterans are left on the streets, accusing Biden of neglecting veterans. Biden denied this, pointing out that Trump referred to fallen U.S. soldiers as "losers" during his term.
Trump then countered by pointing out that Biden's son, Hunter Biden, was convicted of illegal firearm possession, calling it a "terrible thing." He described his own legal risks as political attacks, saying, "I was indicted because I am Biden's political opponent."
The candidates also clashed over age concerns. At 81 years old, President Biden said, "This man (Trump) is three years younger than me but much less capable," emphasizing, "I went to South Korea and persuaded Samsung to invest billions of dollars." He also stated that he has a driver's license and is in good health.
An unexpected dispute over "golf" also arose. Former President Trump boasted about his health, saying, "I won the golf club championship twice. It wasn't a senior tournament," and told Biden, "He can't hit a golf ball 50 yards." Biden responded, "If he can carry his own golf bag, I would gladly play golf with him."
President Biden ended the debate by saying Trump left him a "disaster." He emphasized the need for a "fairer tax system" in his second term, promising "no tax increases for those earning under $40,000," opposing Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy. He also pledged to cap senior prescription drug costs at $2,000, provide tax benefits to support childcare, and curb inflation.
Former President Trump concluded the debate by criticizing the Biden administration and boasting about his achievements during his term. Calling Biden a "complainer," he said, "He talks about deregulation but does nothing." He accused Biden of allowing a surge of illegal immigrants, making mistakes in Afghanistan, and presiding over the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and the rise of Hezbollah. Trump claimed, "I reformed national defense and achieved the largest tax cuts and deregulation in history. The reason Biden was able to increase jobs is because I cut job regulations."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
