CNN Presidential Debate Notes

Introduction

• Location: Georgia, a key battleground state
• Event: Debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump
• Moderators: Dana Bash and Jake Tapper
• Viewership: Broadcasted on CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, CNN Max, and CNN Español
• Significance: First debate of presumptive nominees debating each other
• Format:
  • 2 minutes per answer for each candidate
  • 1 minute for responses and rebuttals
  • Moderators have discretion for additional time
  • No studio audience or props
  • Candidates’ positions determined by a coin toss

Economy

President Biden

• Highlighted the state of the economy inherited from Trump:
  • Pandemic mismanagement
  • High unemployment (15%)
• Achievements:
  • Created 15,000 new jobs
  • Added 800,000 manufacturing jobs
  • Reduced prescription drug costs (Insulin to $15)
  • Capped senior drug costs
  • Aimed to reduce housing prices
• Blamed corporate greed for current issues

President Trump

• Claimed a strong economy pre-COVID
• Criticized Biden for inflation
• Took credit for creating mandates to avoid depression
• Emphasized that post-COVID, the economy was strong under him

Debt and Taxes

President Trump

• Defended tax cuts for corporations
• Argued that tax cuts spurred the economy
• Claimed more revenue due to reduced taxes

President Biden

• Criticized Trump for increasing the national debt
• Plans to tax billionaires for debt reduction
• Argued against Trump’s tax cuts favoring the wealthy

Abortion Rights

President Trump

• Claimed credit for overturning Roe v. Wade
• Advocated for states’ rights on abortion
• Emphasized exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother

President Biden

• Believes the overturning of Roe was a mistake
• Supports restoring Roe v. Wade
• Stated no politician should decide a woman’s healthcare

Immigration and Border Security

President Biden

• Asserted improvements in border security
• Increased number of Border Police and Asylum officers
• Criticized Trump for family separation policies

President Trump

• Claimed the safest border under his administration
• Criticized Biden for increased illegal immigration
• Accused Biden of enabling entry of criminals

Policies & Achievements

President Biden

• Black unemployment at record low
• Initiatives for black businesses and housing
• Commitment to child care and health insurance

President Trump

• Claimed credit for criminal justice reform
• Highlighted support from police groups
• Defended policies for black communities

Foreign Policy

President Biden

• Opposed Russia's war against Ukraine
• Emphasized alliances and NATO
• Highlighted US leadership

President Trump

• Criticized Biden’s handling of Ukraine and Middle East
• Claimed Iran was contained under his administration

Social Security and Medicare

President Biden

• Plans to make wealthy Americans pay their fair share
• Protect Social Security for those making under $400,000
• Accused Trump of wanting to cut Social Security

President Trump

• Criticized Biden for destroying Social Security
• Emphasized the need to care for veterans

Health and Age Concerns

President Biden

• Defended his capability to serve despite age
• Highlighted accomplishments under his administration

President Trump

• Highlighted his cognitive and physical fitness
• Challenged Biden to take a cognitive test

Closing Statements

President Biden

• Emphasized progress since Trump’s term
• Plans for fair tax systems
• Commitment to healthcare and reducing inflation

President Trump

• Accused Biden of making America unsafe and destroying its reputation
• Highlighted achievements under his administration (military, tax cuts)
• Reaffirmed commitment to making America great again