In a high-pressure and occasionally surreal presidential debate, Donald Trump appeared energetic and commanding, while Joe Biden seemed erratic, hoarse, and lacking reflexes, causing concern among Democrats about his health and ability to lead the United States in the next term. 

Over 90 minutes, both candidates exchanged personal attacks and harsh labels, calling each other “the worst president” in history. Trump accused Biden of taking money from China, destroying the economy, and fueling inflation, while Biden called Trump a loser and a crybaby, comparing his moral compass to that of an “alley cat.” 

The debate took place at CNN studios, with the candidates entering separately, avoiding greetings or eye contact. Unlike traditional presidential debates, this edition was not organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates and followed strict rules negotiated by both campaigns: two minutes per opening statement, one-minute rebuttals, muted microphones to prevent interruptions, no audience, and no access to advisors or notes.

This format resulted in a more orderly clash, though less spontaneous than the 2020 debates. 

Beyond the verbal exchange, the battle over post-debate narrative began even before the event ended. Democrats faced a tough challenge to counter perceptions of Biden’s weakness, circulating claims that he was fighting a cold as an early damage-control effort.

The president’s performance reignited speculation over whether he would continue his candidacy or step aside. 

Fun facts about Trump and Biden

Unusual challenges emerged in this debate, with both candidates being the oldest in United States electoral history — Biden at 81 and Trump at 78. Age has been a particular burden for Biden, whose public image of fragility was reinforced by videos from his recent G7 trip to Europe.

He needed to demonstrate sharpness, reflexes, and stamina during the hour-and-a-half showdown but never projected full confidence against Trump. 

The context was historic: never before had a sitting president debated a former president, never so early in the campaign, and both arrived nearly tied in the polls. The race is expected to be decided by narrow margins, vote by vote, heightening pressure on both candidates. 

Outcome and subsequent narrative management mark a crucial point in the race for the White House. Trump reinforced his image as a strong, aggressive contender, while Biden’s performance raised doubts about his ability to lead the United States and sustain his presidential campaign.