President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump engaged in their first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle on Thursday night in Atlanta, hosted by CNN.
The event, marked by intense scrutiny and analysis, unfolded as a pivotal moment for both candidates.
The Washington Post was on-site in Atlanta and across crucial swing states, capturing reactions from voters as Biden and Trump exchanged verbal jabs and policy arguments. The debate, extensively covered live by The Post, provided updates, reactions, and expert analysis throughout the evening.
As Air Force One departed for Raleigh, NC, where Biden scheduled his first post-debate campaign event on Friday, the president faced mounting pressure within his party. Observers and analysts noted Biden’s performance left him positioned as a clear underdog in the upcoming election, intensifying calls from within the Democratic ranks for a change in leadership.
Reflecting on the debate shortly before his departure, Biden expressed confidence to reporters, stating, “I think we did well.” Responding to inquiries about criticism of his performance and suggestions that he step aside, Biden dismissed concerns, attributing his scratchy voice to a sore throat and referencing fact-checks disputing Trump’s statements during the debate.
https://twitte.com/mlbaruchman/status/1806544732106977611
You cannot spin that. pic.twitter.com/epawAzPXcD
— Big Fish (@BigFish3000) June 28, 2024
The event, concludinPost’sPost’s comprehensive live coverage, underscored significant shifts in the election dynamics with 130 days remaining until ElectionBiden’siden’s remarks and actions in the aftermath of the debate will likely shape ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party as they strategize for the upcoming campaign.
