Biden-Trump debate Live updates: Age, immigration, foreign policy, wars and inflation – 5 key points to watch tonight

For Republicans and Donald Trump, the border is a major campaign issue. Trump has said that he would use the power of the federal government to “remove known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States.” In recent days, Joe Biden has come under fire following various brutal crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including the murders of Laken Riley, Kayla Hamilton, Rachel Morin, and Jocelyn Nungaray.

Immediately after Biden took office, he cancelled some of Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Sources have told CNN that Biden might address the issue at the debate by portraying Trump’s policies as extreme, and his own as more appropriate.

Joe Biden posted a video on X ahead of the presidential debate, calling Donald Trump “unfit” for office. Take a look:

Sen. Bernie Sanders has said that Joe Biden must “make it clear who is on the side of the working families of this country” during the debate. “What Biden has got to do is say ‘I stand with workers,’ and he has,” Sanders told CNN, noting that Biden was the first president to have stood on a picket line with workers on strike.

Joe Biden, 81, has come under scrutiny time and again for his embarrassing gaffes, mumblings and forgetfulness on stage. At the debate, any callous statement or misstep can go against the president and be distorted by Donald Trump’s allies. In the best-case scenario, Biden would project himself as a confident man who has far more experience than any other president has ever had, owing to his age. In the worst case, he commits another blunder that prompts the world to consider his age to be a leading concern.

In a recent interview with CNN, Biden campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond discussed President Joe Biden’s stance and approach ahead of the upcoming debate with Donald Trump.

“I don’t think I would [shake hands], but President Biden has consistently, he rises above the pettiness,” Richmond remarked, highlighting Biden’s inclination to maintain a statesmanlike demeanour even in contentious settings.

When pressed about whether Biden would directly call Trump a convicted felon during the debate, Richmond recalled Biden’s previous statements and emphasized a straightforward approach to Trump’s legal status.

“Well, he has before,” Richmond responded, “and look, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. He’s a convicted felon.”

As anticipation builds for the Biden-Trump debate in Atlanta, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have a unique opportunity to reshape the political landscape just over four months before the election.

For Biden, the debate offers a chance to demonstrate his capability at 81, amid doubts about his age and stamina. Trump, at 78, seeks to move past recent legal troubles and convince voters of his fitness for office.

This historic debate, hosted by CNN, marks several firsts: it’s the earliest general election debate, hosted by a single news outlet, and will be conducted without an audience. Microphones will be muted during opponents’ speaking turns, with only two commercial breaks allowed.

The candidates’ sharply contrasting policies on issues like abortion, immigration, and foreign affairs will be in sharp focus. Recent executive actions by Biden on asylum and Trump’s focus on illegal immigration underscore their differing approaches.

The debate’s timing, amidst a backdrop of Supreme Court decisions and ongoing international conflicts, intensifies its potential impact. Biden’s secluded preparation at Camp David contrasts with Trump’s more informal approach in Florida, reflecting their distinct styles.

With Georgia’s electoral significance in mind, both candidates have ramped up campaign efforts in the state, each aiming to sway voters crucial to victory in November.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has weighed in on the upcoming Biden-Trump debate, asserting that President Biden faces a “disadvantage” against Donald Trump. In a recent op-ed for The New York Times, Clinton condemned Trump for his conduct in past debates, recalling her own experiences facing him in the 2016 elections.

Clinton characterised Trump’s debate style as marked by interruptions, insults, and falsehoods that undermined the democratic process and confused voters. She criticised his evasion of substantive issues by resorting to personal attacks and distractions. Clinton highlighted Trump’s avoidance of addressing controversial policies such as environmental deregulation, restrictive abortion measures, and tax breaks for the wealthy.

Reflecting on Biden’s recent State of the Union address, Clinton suggested that Biden’s direct and forceful approach in addressing challenges could effectively counter Trump’s tactics during the debate. She emphasized the importance of clarity and assertiveness in confronting Trump’s rhetoric and policy positions.

As the stage is set for Biden and Trump’s first debate ahead of the November elections, Clinton’s insights underscore expectations and strategies for both candidates.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is reportedly not planning to publicly campaign for President Joe Biden’s second term. According to a new report, part of the reason stems from the Biden family’s treatment of her close friend Kathleen Buhle following her divorce from Hunter Biden.

While former President Barack Obama has actively supported Biden’s 2024 campaign, Michelle Obama has notably stayed away from major events, including a recent Hollywood-studded fundraiser. Sources cited by Axios suggest her absence is due to frustration over how Buhle was treated by the Biden family.

In addition to this, Michelle Obama’s general disdain for partisan politics could also explain her reluctance to get involved. Despite being one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party, she has focused on her national nonpartisan initiative, When We All Vote, instead of engaging in the re-election campaign.

The relationship between the Obama and Biden families reportedly changed in 2015 when President Obama discouraged then-Vice President Biden from running for president, which later led to Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle’s messy divorce in 2017.

Former President Obama has attended Biden’s 2024 fundraisers, a state dinner, and appeared in campaign videos, but Michelle Obama has maintained her distance.

As the historic Biden-Trump debate approaches, both candidates have taken contrasting approaches to preparation. President Biden had been off the radar at Camp David, fine-tuning his responses in mock debates under real TV lighting. In contrast, former President Trump opted for a more relaxed approach, skipping dress rehearsals in favour of informal policy roundtables and workshopping strategies with rally crowds.

Biden aims to paint Trump as unhinged and unfit for office, while Trump’s team encourages him to highlight his strengths in the economy and crime. Despite previously portraying Biden as feeble, Trump’s campaign has recently adjusted their strategy to avoid underestimating him, acknowledging his week of intense preparation.

Trump’s team has also propagated baseless claims about Biden using performance-enhancing drugs and insinuated bias from CNN. Meanwhile, Biden faces vulnerabilities on border security, with Trump promising mass deportations to combat undocumented migration.

1. Biden’s response of age concerns:

As the oldest sitting president at 81, Biden’s performance will be scrutinised for signs of frailty or confusion. He needs to project vigour and clarity to counteract age-related concerns. Biden will likely emphasise his extensive experience, framing his age as an asset rather than a liability. A strong, decisive performance similar to his State of the Union address earlier this year could help reassure voters and widen his lead in the tight race. On the contrary, any notable gaffes or lapses could solidify age as a central issue in the campaign.

2. Scrutiny over Biden’s handling of inflation:

– Although inflation has slowed since its peak in June 2022, its lingering effects continue to affect Biden’s approval ratings. During the debate, Biden will need to effectively communicate his administration’s efforts to combat inflation, such as job creation and economic recovery initiatives. He faces the challenge of addressing public concerns while countering Trump’s criticisms and misleading claims about the economy. Biden will also need to highlight the potential negative impact of Trump’s proposed economic policies, such as steep tariffs and reduced immigration, which experts argue could exacerbate inflation.

3. Trump and Biden’s stand on Israel and Gaza:

– The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza presents a complex issue for Biden, especially in appealing to his diverse voter base with varying views on the matter. Biden’s handling of U.S.-Israel relations and his stance on the conflict will be closely watched. He must navigate the fine line of supporting Israel’s security while addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Trump’s unpredictable comments on the conflict add an extra layer of complexity, making Biden’s approach to this topic crucial for maintaining support from different factions within his coalition.

4. Biden and Trump’s foreign policy perspective:

– The debate will highlight stark contrasts between Biden and Trump on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. Biden has consistently supported Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression and has worked closely with NATO allies to provide military aid. However, Trump has shown an affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has made ambiguous statements about U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump’s foreign policy advisors have proposed plans that could significantly alter U.S. involvement in the conflict, potentially favoring Russia. Biden will aim to underscore his commitment to international alliances and democratic values, while Trump will likely promote a more isolationist stance.

5. Biden and Trump’s take on immigration policies

– Immigration remains a contentious issue, with Trump advocating for strict measures, including the removal of suspected gang members and drug dealers, and even proposing a UFC migrant league. Biden’s immigration policies have been more nuanced, attempting to balance compassion with enforcement. He has reversed many of Trump’s hardline policies but faced criticism from both sides for his handling of surges in migrant numbers. Biden will need to defend his approach, highlighting efforts to protect families and careers while managing border security. Trump will likely use this issue to attack Biden’s perceived leniency and promise tougher immigration control.

These key points will shape the debate and provide a deeper understanding of each candidate’s platform and potential impact on the 2024 presidential race.