One faltered in communicating; the other eluded answers

ATLANTA, GA (TIP):The first Presidential debate – a 90-minute affair- on June 28 in Atlanta which was hosted by CNN, had the U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump spar on policies and performances. Their first question was on the economy. Biden who spoke mildly and in a hoarse voice dwelt on the economic gains under his watch. He claimed that he rescued the American economy from “free fall” and “chaos” when he took over the presidency from Mr. Trump in 2021.

Trump in his usual loud voice rebutted Biden and claimed that during his term, “everything was rocking good.” He blamed Biden for rising prices that have frustrated Americans.
“Inflation is killing our country,” Mr. Trump said. “It’s absolutely killing us.”

The next question related to abortion rights. Biden blamed Trump for eroding abortion rights after the Republican’s three appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court voted to reverse Roe v. Wade, which had recognized a nationwide constitutional right to abortion.

“It’s been a terrible thing what you’ve done,” Biden said. He pledged to restore the law under Roe if given a second term but didn’t say how he’d accomplish that. He said the idea of turning abortion laws back to states “is like saying we’re going to turn civil rights back to the states.”

Trump said his presidency returned the issue of abortion to the people through state laws. He said he supports abortion ban exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, and he repeated his claim that Biden supports abortion up to and after birth.
“We think the Democrats are the radicals, not the Republicans,” Trump said.

On the question on January 6 “insurrection” Trump’s answer was rather elusive. He lied about his role in the January 6, 2021 attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol, and tried to deflect by pivoting to other issues. Pressed on his role, he said he encouraged people to act “peacefully and patriotically,” then changed the subject to launch an attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

He said Biden ought to “be ashamed” for the way the January 6 defendants have been handled.

On the question of health and fitness, both the candidates claimed they were absolutely fit. It was amusing to hear Trump challenge Biden to hit a ball for 50 yards which he said he could do easily.

Their showdown took a bitter and personal turn. Biden highlighted Trump’s criminal convictions . Trump responded by invoking Biden’s son, hunter, who was recently convicted. Biden also spoke about Trump having sex with a porn star Stormy Daniels while Trump’s wife was pregnant. Trump rebutted Biden’s accusation denying that he had sex with the porn star. “I didn’t have sex with the porn star”, Trump said.

The first Presidential debate failed to interest or enthuse the American people, many said.
(With inputs from agencies)