The first presidential debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has ignited intense reactions from media around the world. The debate, which took place on Thursday, saw the two candidates clash on various critical issues, including abortion, foreign policy, the economy, and immigration. The event was marked by Biden's verbal missteps and Trump's persistent falsehoods, providing plenty of fodder for international commentary.
China's state-run media, CGTN, characterized the debate as a "halting clash," noting that Biden started hesitantly while Trump responded with steadiness. The South China Morning Post highlighted the contrasting visions for America's global role, calling it a "high-stakes debate." Before the event, China's Global Times had likened the anticipated debate to a reality show, underscoring the spectacle it was expected to be.
In India, the Times of India focused on Democratic concerns, leading with a headline that read: "'We are f***ed': Democrats in full-blown panic over Joe Biden's debate performance." The paper described Biden's delivery as "shaky and halting," while portraying Trump's performance as "forceful and aggressive." India Today echoed these sentiments, noting Biden's frequent stammering and Trump's assertive approach, emphasizing the global attention on Biden's perceived vulnerabilities.
British media also weighed in critically. The Guardian pointed out issues with both candidates, headlining its story: "Biden struggles to land lines as Trump lies in first presidential debate." The Times of London described Biden's responses as "meandering and muddled," while Trump's were "more assured and disciplined." The BBC highlighted Biden's struggles against Trump's attacks and the latter's avoidance of key questions, capturing the contentious nature of the debate.
Germany's ZDF found the debate "more civilized" yet "more charged" than in 2020, noting Biden's initial hesitation but acknowledging his later aggression. Sueddeutsche Zeitung remarked on Biden's "bad evening," stating his substantive answers were marred by verbal stumbling, ultimately summarizing the debate as a loss for Americans. The German perspective highlighted the debate's broader implications for U.S. leadership on the global stage.
French media also offered sharp critiques. France24 led with the headline: "Biden stumbles, Trump lies," while Le Monde described Biden as "faltering" and Trump as "forceful." The debate was characterized as "fiery," with both candidates' performances scrutinized for their flaws and strengths. French observers noted the importance of this debate in shaping international perceptions of U.S. political stability.
In the U.S., CNN's moderators were criticized for not fact-checking Trump's false claims, which included misleading statements on abortion, immigration, and the national debt. Biden, plagued by a raspy voice attributed to a cold, struggled to complete his thoughts, at times appearing flustered. Commentators emphasized the growing Democratic anxiety over Biden's performance, suggesting a reconsideration of his candidacy. This internal critique within the U.S. highlighted the debate's potential impact on voter sentiment ahead of the election.
The debate touched on pivotal issues such as abortion, where Biden defended Roe v. Wade, while Trump misleadingly claimed Democrats support late-term abortions. On immigration, Biden criticized Trump's policies and highlighted his proposal for increased border security measures, showcasing their divergent approaches to these key topics. The candidates' sharply different policy perspectives were evident throughout the evening.
Their divergent views on the Ukraine war were stark, with Biden condemning Putin as a war criminal and Trump praising Zelenskiy's leadership. On the January 6 insurrection, Trump deflected blame onto former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a claim Biden met with visible frustration. These exchanges underscored the deep political and ideological divides between the two candidates.
Biden proposed taxing millionaires to fund social security, contrasting Trump's attacks on Biden's son, Hunter. The debate's tone soured further with Biden referencing Trump's alleged affair with Stormy Daniels, calling into question Trump's moral character. This personal attack highlighted the deeply contentious and often personal nature of the debate.
