Biden vs. Trump debate live updates: 5 things to watch
1. Reaction to Biden’s age issue:
At 81, Biden is the oldest serving president, and his performance will be scrutinized for signs of weakness or confusion. To allay concerns about his age, Biden will need to project energy and clarity. He will likely highlight his wealth of experience and position his age as a plus rather than a minus. A strong, decisive performance, such as his State of the Union address earlier this year, could reassure voters and help him extend his lead in a close race. Conversely, a notable gaffe or misstep could cement age as a central issue in the campaign.
2. Oversight of Biden’s response to inflation:
– Inflation has slowed since its June 2022 peak, but its lingering effects continue to affect Biden’s approval rating. In the debate, Biden will need to effectively communicate his administration’s efforts to combat inflation, including efforts to create jobs and revive the economy. Biden faces the challenge of countering Trump’s criticisms and misleading claims about the economy while addressing public concerns. Biden will also need to highlight the potential negative effects of Trump’s proposed economic policies, such as high tariffs and immigration cuts, which experts argue could worsen inflation.
3. Trump and Biden’s stance on Israel and Gaza:
– The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza is a complex issue for Biden, especially in appealing to his diverse base of voters with different views on the issue. Biden’s handling of US-Israeli relations and his stance on the conflict will be closely watched. He must strike a delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security while addressing Gaza’s humanitarian concerns. Trump’s unpredictable rhetoric on the conflict adds further complexity, making Biden’s approach to the issue crucial to maintaining support from different factions within the coalition.
4. Biden and Trump’s foreign policy perspectives:
– The debate is likely to highlight the stark contrast between Biden and Trump on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. Biden has consistently supported Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and has worked closely with NATO allies to provide military assistance. But Trump has shown closeness to Russian President Putin and has been ambivalent about U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump’s foreign policy advisers have proposed plans that could significantly shift U.S. involvement in the conflict in Russia’s favor. Biden will likely seek to emphasize his commitment to international alliances and democratic values, while Trump is likely to promote a more isolationist stance.
5. Biden and Trump’s views on immigration policy
– Immigration remains a hot topic of discussion. Trump has advocated tough measures, including the removal of suspected gang members and drug dealers, and even proposed the creation of a UFC immigration league. Biden’s immigration policy is more nuanced, seeking to balance compassion with enforcement. Biden has reversed many of Trump’s hardline policies, but he has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle for his response to the surge in migrants. Biden will need to defend his approach, highlighting his efforts to protect families and careers while controlling border security. Trump is likely to use the issue to attack Biden’s leniency and promise to tighten immigration controls.
These key takeaways will help shape the debate and provide a better understanding of each candidate’s policies and their potential impact on the 2024 presidential election.
