President Joe Biden faced his predecessor, former President Donald Trump in their first presidential debate anchored by CNN for the November presidential election yesterday. It was a gripping moment as both men went after each other.
The debate focused on burning issues such as abortion, immigration, economy, healthcare and foreign policy as well as other vital issues.
Former President Trump went on the offensive when he made series of remarks against President Joe Biden’s government. On healthcare, Trump accused President Biden of “beating Medicare to death”. On economy, Trump accused Biden of hurting working Americans. On immigration, Trump accused Biden of “turning America to an uncivilized nation” through his open policy at the southern border which has seen an influx of undocumented immigrants through it. Trump further said that criminals and terrorists are pouring into the country and causing mayhem due to Biden’s policies. On foreign policy, Trump mocked Biden for how the United States pulled out of Afghanistan and accused the Biden administration of leaving Americans behind while lives were lost. He said the weak withdrawal from Afghanistan was the reason Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and if he Trump was president, Putin would have never dared of invading Ukraine. He further accused Biden of being anti-Israel. In his words, “He’s a Palestinian but they don’t like him, he’s a bad Palestinian”.
Biden on his own called Trump a liar, accused him of mocking the graves of veterans and reminded him of his series of court charges. Biden appeared low tone, sometimes muttering and not convincing.
Political pundits and analysts were of the opinion that Biden’s performance was abysmal and have sent panic within the democratic leadership. Some pundits emphasized and believed a replacement for President Biden should be on the table. Van Jones, a CNN political pundit and former aide to former President Barrack Obama said President Biden loves his country and has served it well but it’s time for him to step aside for another democrat to confront Trump. MSNBC anchor, Joy Reid said her phone was buzzing throughout the debate with top level democrats in panic mode and there could be a potential replacement for Biden in the coming days.
Whether Biden is replaced or not, democrats must find a way to address the rising cost of living in this economy. In real life, Americans are hurting and would express their frustration on the polls in November. Whether the democrats will make any improvement in the economy is yet to be seen.
