The first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season was last night on CNN, leaving Americans with a wide array of feelings about the two likely presidential nominees. Tulane Associate Professor of Political Science Brian Brox says former President Trump delivered about what was expected from him.
“He was very animated,” Brox explains. “[He] told several lies, but also kept coming back to familiar topics and familiar phrases that he often uses at his rallies.”
For instance, Trump said during the debate that there were “a relatively small number of people” at the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection and that those who were there were “ushered in by the police.” The Associated Press reports this is false, citing numerous photos and videos showing thousands of people at Capitol Hill engaging in hand-to-hand combat with officers during that time.
However, Brox says President Biden, who was looking to dispel rumors about his poor mental abilities, had much worse stage presence than Trump.
“He was clearly overwhelmed by the moment and struggled to make his point at times, to the point where many are worried about his continued ability to wage this campaign,” Brox says.
AP reports that when asked at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina Friday morning about bipartisan concerns that he should consider refusing the Democratic nomination, Biden said, “no, it’s hard to debate a liar.”
Ultimately, Brox thinks this debate will only likely swing undecided voters, and he stresses there’s plenty of time between now and the election for Biden’s campaign to prove his mental fitness. Plus, he says, this debate was more style than substance.
“This debate was a tough one to watch,” he explains, “particularly for people who were looking for deep engagement in policy and plans for the future.”
The next presidential debate will be September 10th on ABC.
