Biden falters in high-stakes debate, Trump spews falsehoods

The contest was seen as a test of each man's fitness for office.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Tal Axelrod, Meredith Deliso, and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: June 27, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT

In a historic clash of personality and policy, Joe Biden and Donald Trump took the stage for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election.

The showdown provided a rare opportunity for both candidates to move the needle in what has been a stubbornly tight race for the White House, but at the end of the night, Biden's halting performance raised new concerns among Democrats and cause Republicans to celebrate.

The debate was a rematch for Biden and Trump, who faced each other twice in 2020, but a first-of-its-kind format and a vastly different political landscape presented new challenges for the two rivals.

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Here's how the debate developed:
Jun 27, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT

Biden defends economic record in 1st exchange of the night

Biden fielded the first question from moderator Jake Tapper, who asked him what his message was to Americans who feel worse off financially under his administration than they did under Trump.

Biden claimed he was handed an economy in "free fall." He touted his record on job creation and lowering prescription drug prices and other household costs.

Trump, in turn, claimed he he had "the greatest economy in the history of our country" and that inflation is "absolutely killing us."

Jun 27, 2024, 9:04 PM EDT

Candidates take the stage

Biden and Trump are now at the lecterns. The two entered from different sides of the stage and did not shake hands.

Jun 27, 2024, 8:59 PM EDT

Melania Trump not attending debate

ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott reported that Melania Trump will not be at the debate.

The former first lady has made few appearances on the campaign trail as her husband seeks another term.

Jun 27, 2024, 8:54 PM EDT

Biden pokes fun at Trump's jabs about performance-enhancing substances

Biden posted a photo on x taking a shot at Trump's allegations that he's taking performance-enhancing substances for the debate.

The president is seen holding a can of water with the "Dark Brandon" meme image claiming to be "Dark Brandon's secret sauce." The can, which will go on sale on the Biden campaign's site next month, has a statement in bold letters "Get real, Jack. It's just water."

Joe Biden posts a photo of himself on his X account, prior to the debate with former President Donald Trump, on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta.
Joe Biden/X

"I don't know what they've got in these performance enhancers, but I'm feeling pretty jacked up. Try it yourselves, folks. See you in a bit," the X post said.