Former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden take part in the CNN presidential debate on Thursday, June 27.
Politics
Updated 1:48 AM EDT, Fri June 28, 2024
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced each other in a historic debate on Thursday night.
It was the first time in history that a sitting US president faced a former president in a debate. It was also the first debate since 2020 featuring either Biden, who did not face a serious challenge for the Democratic nomination, or Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee who skipped all the GOP debates during primary season.
The roughly 90-minute debate took place at CNN's studios in Atlanta, and it was moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. There wasn't an audience — an anomaly in debates between presidential candidates.
This was also the earliest presidential debate in US history. Debates between general election candidates have always started in September or early October.
First lady Jill Biden, right, joins her husband as he talks with moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash after the debate.
People gather on the floor of the post-debate "spin room," which was held at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion across from CNN's headquarters.
US Sen. Marco Rubio, a potential pick for Trump's running mate, waves in the spin room after the debate.
The Bidens embrace after the debate.
Trump and Biden were debating each other for the first time since 2020.
Biden appeared to struggle with his delivery at multiple points during the debate. He cleared his throat or coughed multiple times, a condition that his doctor has previously stated is caused by acid reflux.His voice sounded hoarse and raspy, even more so than usual. He has been battling a cold in recent days, sources familiar with his debate preparations said.
People watch the debate at Union Pub in Washington, DC.
Photographers take photos of the candidates during the first of two commercial breaks.
Trump makes a point early in the debate. Trump launched his bid to reclaim the White House in November 2022, aiming to become only the second commander in chief to win two nonconsecutive terms.
People watch the debate in Washington, DC.
Microphones were muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it was to speak.
Heading into debate night, the latest update to the CNNPollofPolls found a tight race with no clear leader.
Biden, at 81, is the oldest president to ever hold office. He would be 86 at the end of a second term.
Trump watches Biden answer a question.
Biden watches Trump during the debate's first hour.
Trump exits the stage during one of the commercial breaks.
The candidates levied personal attacks against each other as they sparred over the economy, immigration, abortion and more.
With less than five months until the election, the stakes were high asthecandidates made their pitch to voters. Another debate is scheduled for September 10.
Biden looks at his notes during the debate.
Trump responds to a question.
The candidates are seen on monitors from the side of the stage.
Biden's campaign won a coin toss before the debate to choose which side he would stand on. Trump's campaign then chose for the former president to deliver the last closing statement.
Trump answers a question during the debate.
Biden addresses Trump directly during the debate.
Bash and Tapper are seen during the debate.
Biden answers an early question.
No props or pre-written notes were allowed on the stage. Candidates were given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.
A camera captures the debate from CNN's Atlanta studios.
Trump speaks during the debate.
Tapper looks at his notes during the debate.
The debate rules are explained before Biden and Trump took the stage.
Tapper and Bash prepare for the debate on Thursday.
Supporters of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. protest outside the White House on Thursday. They were upset that Kennedy was not invited to the debate.
MJ Lee, senior White House correspondent for CNN, prepares for a live shot in Atlanta before the debate.
Biden greets supporters outside his hotel in Atlanta on Thursday.
Trump arrives in Atlanta on Thursday.
Kennedy supporter Burk Stringfellow protests outside the White House on Thursday.
Debate banners hang from McCamish Pavilion across the street from the CNN campus in Atlanta.
Satellite dishes are seen at CNN's Atlanta headquarters on Monday.
