DiscoverThe Rachel Maddow ShowLive Coverage: First Presidential Debate of 2024
Live Coverage: First Presidential Debate of 2024

Live Coverage: First Presidential Debate of 2024

Update: 2024-06-281
Share

Digest

The first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, hosted by CNN, covered a range of key issues. The debate began with a discussion on the economy, with Biden highlighting his efforts to recover from the pandemic-induced recession and Trump emphasizing his pre-COVID economic performance. The candidates then debated immigration and border security, with Biden emphasizing his bipartisan efforts to address the issue and Trump criticizing Biden's open border policies. The debate also touched upon abortion, with Trump taking credit for overturning Roe v. Wade and Biden defending his support for abortion rights. Foreign policy was another key topic, with the candidates discussing Russia's war in Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the role of NATO. Biden emphasized his efforts to support Ukraine and Israel, while Trump criticized Biden's handling of both conflicts. The debate concluded with a discussion on democracy, with Biden accusing Trump of undermining democracy and Trump defending his actions on January 6th. The debate was marked by heated exchanges and personal attacks, with both candidates making claims and accusations about each other's records and policies. The debate concluded with a discussion on the future of American democracy, with Biden accusing Trump of seeking retribution against his political opponents and undermining democratic institutions, while Trump defended his actions and criticized Biden's policies.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction and Debate Rules

This Chapter introduces the debate and outlines the rules for the evening. It establishes the format, time limits, and the moderators' roles. The chapter also introduces the candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and sets the stage for the debate's focus on key issues.

00:03:12
Economy and Inflation

This Chapter delves into the candidates' stances on the economy and inflation. Biden defends his administration's efforts to address inflation, highlighting job creation and prescription drug price reductions. Trump criticizes Biden's economic policies, blaming them for inflation and arguing that his own policies led to a strong economy before the pandemic.

00:08:46
National Debt and Tax Cuts

This Chapter focuses on the national debt and tax cuts. Trump defends his tax cuts, arguing they spurred economic growth, while Biden criticizes them for benefiting the wealthy and increasing the deficit. The candidates also discuss their approaches to addressing the national debt.

00:13:28
Abortion and Roe v. Wade

This Chapter centers on the issue of abortion and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Trump takes credit for the Supreme Court's decision, arguing it returned the issue to the states, while Biden defends his support for abortion rights and criticizes Trump's stance. The candidates also discuss their views on abortion restrictions and exceptions.

00:28:31
Foreign Policy: Russia's War in Ukraine

This Chapter focuses on Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump criticizes Biden's handling of the conflict, arguing that a stronger president would have prevented the invasion. Biden defends his administration's support for Ukraine and criticizes Trump's alleged encouragement of Putin. The candidates also discuss their views on Putin's terms for ending the war and the role of NATO.

00:33:55
Foreign Policy: Israel and Hamas

This Chapter delves into the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Biden outlines his three-stage plan for resolving the conflict, while Trump criticizes Biden's approach and argues for a more forceful response. The candidates also discuss their views on the use of weapons in populated areas and the potential for an independent Palestinian state.

00:39:22
Democracy and January 6th

This Chapter focuses on the issue of democracy and the events of January 6th, 2021. Biden accuses Trump of undermining democracy and violating his constitutional oath, while Trump defends his actions and blames Pelosi for the security failures at the Capitol. The candidates also discuss their views on the prosecution of those involved in the Capitol riot and the potential for future violence.

00:48:18
American Democracy and the Future

This Chapter concludes the debate with a discussion on the future of American democracy. Biden accuses Trump of seeking retribution against his political opponents and undermining democratic institutions. Trump defends his actions and criticizes Biden's policies. The candidates also discuss their views on the role of the media and the importance of free and fair elections.

01:06:58
Child Care and the Economy

This Chapter focuses on the cost of child care and the candidates' plans to make it more affordable. Trump defends his record on the economy and criticizes Biden's policies, while Biden highlights his efforts to address inflation and create jobs. The candidates also discuss their views on the national debt and tax cuts.

01:13:26
Opioid Crisis and Addiction

This Chapter delves into the opioid crisis and the candidates' plans to address it. Trump criticizes Biden's handling of the border and the increase in drug trafficking, while Biden highlights his efforts to combat fentanyl and provide treatment for addiction. The candidates also discuss their views on the role of the government in addressing the crisis.

01:18:03
Age and Competence

This Chapter focuses on the candidates' ages and their ability to handle the presidency. Biden defends his record and highlights his experience, while Trump criticizes Biden's policies and challenges his mental acuity. The candidates also discuss their views on the importance of leadership and the future of the country.

01:22:23
Election Integrity and Political Violence

This Chapter focuses on the candidates' commitment to accepting the results of the election and condemning political violence. Trump defends his record on election integrity and criticizes Biden's policies, while Biden emphasizes the importance of a fair and free election and condemns political violence. The candidates also discuss their views on the role of the media and the importance of democracy.

Keywords

Joe Biden


Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He previously served as the 47th vice president under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has a long history of public service, having served in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009. He is known for his moderate political views and his focus on bipartisanship. Biden's presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing political polarization in the United States. He is seeking re-election in 2024.

Donald Trump


Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States. He is a businessman and television personality who entered politics in 2015. Trump is a member of the Republican Party and is known for his populist and nationalist views. His presidency was marked by controversy and division, including his policies on immigration, trade, and foreign policy. Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives twice, but was acquitted by the Senate both times. He lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, but continues to make false claims about the election being stolen. Trump is seeking to regain the presidency in 2024.

Presidential Debate


A presidential debate is a formal meeting between candidates for the office of president of the United States. Debates are typically held during the general election campaign and are broadcast live on television and radio. The purpose of debates is to allow voters to compare the candidates' positions on key issues and to assess their personalities and leadership qualities. Debates can be highly influential in shaping public opinion and can have a significant impact on the outcome of the election.

Economy


The economy is the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a country or region. It is a complex and interconnected system that is influenced by a wide range of factors, including government policies, technological innovation, and consumer behavior. The health of the economy is a major concern for voters, as it affects their jobs, incomes, and overall quality of life. Key economic indicators include GDP growth, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates.

Immigration


Immigration is the movement of people from one country to another to live permanently. It is a complex and controversial issue that has been a source of debate for centuries. Immigration can have both positive and negative impacts on a country, including economic growth, cultural diversity, and social change. Key immigration issues include border security, asylum, and the rights of undocumented immigrants.

Abortion


Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. It is a highly controversial issue that has been a source of debate for decades. Abortion is legal in many countries, but is restricted or banned in others. Key abortion issues include the right to choose, the role of the government, and the moral and ethical implications of abortion.

Foreign Policy


Foreign policy is the set of goals, strategies, and actions that a country takes in its interactions with other countries. It is a complex and multifaceted area that involves a wide range of issues, including diplomacy, trade, security, and human rights. Foreign policy is often shaped by a country's national interests, its values, and its relationships with other countries. Key foreign policy issues include international relations, military alliances, and global security.

Democracy


Democracy is a system of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation, usually involving periodically held free elections. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been a source of debate for centuries. Democracy is often characterized by the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, and the separation of powers. Key democratic principles include freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to vote.

January 6th


January 6th, 2021, was the day that a mob of Donald Trump's supporters stormed the United States Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The attack was a direct assault on American democracy and resulted in the deaths of five people. The House of Representatives impeached Trump for inciting the insurrection, but he was acquitted by the Senate. The events of January 6th continue to be investigated by the House Select Committee, which has issued a number of subpoenas and held public hearings. The committee's findings are expected to be released in a final report.

Child Care


Child care is the care and supervision of children, typically by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver. It is a vital service that allows parents to work and provides children with the care and attention they need to grow and develop. Child care can be provided in a variety of settings, including homes, daycare centers, and preschools. The cost of child care is a major concern for many families, as it can be a significant expense. The government provides a number of programs to help families afford child care, including tax credits and subsidies.

Q&A

  • What were the key issues discussed in the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle between Joe Biden and Donald Trump?

    The debate covered a range of key issues, including the economy, immigration, abortion, foreign policy, and democracy. The candidates discussed their records and policies on these issues, often engaging in heated exchanges and personal attacks.

  • What were the main points of contention between Biden and Trump regarding the economy?

    Biden highlighted his efforts to recover from the pandemic-induced recession, emphasizing job creation and prescription drug price reductions. Trump criticized Biden's economic policies, blaming them for inflation and arguing that his own policies led to a strong economy before the pandemic.

  • How did the candidates differ in their approaches to immigration and border security?

    Biden emphasized his bipartisan efforts to address the issue, highlighting increased border patrol and asylum officers. Trump criticized Biden's open border policies, arguing they have led to an increase in crime and illegal immigration.

  • What were the candidates' stances on abortion and the overturning of Roe v. Wade?

    Trump took credit for the Supreme Court's decision, arguing it returned the issue to the states. Biden defended his support for abortion rights and criticized Trump's stance, arguing that women should have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies.

  • How did the candidates approach the issue of Russia's war in Ukraine?

    Trump criticized Biden's handling of the conflict, arguing that a stronger president would have prevented the invasion. Biden defended his administration's support for Ukraine and criticized Trump's alleged encouragement of Putin.

  • What were the candidates' views on the conflict between Israel and Hamas?

    Biden outlined his three-stage plan for resolving the conflict, emphasizing a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Trump criticized Biden's approach and argued for a more forceful response, suggesting that Israel should be allowed to finish the job.

  • How did the candidates differ in their perspectives on the events of January 6th, 2021?

    Biden accused Trump of undermining democracy and violating his constitutional oath, while Trump defended his actions and blamed Pelosi for the security failures at the Capitol.

  • What were the main takeaways from the debate regarding the future of American democracy?

    The debate highlighted the deep divisions in American society and the challenges facing democracy. Biden accused Trump of seeking retribution against his political opponents and undermining democratic institutions. Trump defended his actions and criticized Biden's policies, arguing that he is the only one who can restore America's greatness.

  • What were the candidates' plans to make child care more affordable?

    Biden proposed increasing the child care tax credit and making child care more available for working parents. Trump argued that his economic policies had created a strong economy that made child care more affordable.

  • How did the candidates address the opioid crisis and addiction?

    Biden highlighted his efforts to combat fentanyl and provide treatment for addiction. Trump criticized Biden's handling of the border and the increase in drug trafficking.

Show Notes

It’s been four years since President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump have gone head-to-head. And on Thursday night, the incumbent and the former president faced off in the first presidential debate of 2024. The debate was held in Atlanta and hosted by CNN. Listen to the full debate here and visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

Comments 
In Channel
MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024

MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024

2024-09-1201:48:50

loading

Table of contents

00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Live Coverage: First Presidential Debate of 2024

Live Coverage: First Presidential Debate of 2024

Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Jake Tapper, Dana Bash, Claire McCaskill