The first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump for the 2024 US election occurred on June 27, 2024.
The debate had many iconic moments, and some may say, it seemed like a clown show.
June 30, 2024 by Kazu Fujimoto
Key points discussed were:
- Economy and Inflation
- Inflation
- Healthcare
- Climate Change
- Immigration
- Foreign Policy
Let’s dive in:
Economy & Inflation
Biden was more so focused on his points such that his administration led efforts in economic recovery, jobs creation, and infrastructure investments. The CHIPs act comes to mind when talks occur regarding infrastructure.
Trump on the other hand was more so criticizing Biden’s handling of the economy – issues such as rising costs and inflation.
Healthcare
Biden plans to improve healthcare through the expansion of the Affordable Care Act.
Trump is on the side of a more market driven approach, and making points such that minimizing government involvement would lead to lower costs through competition in the marketplace for healthcare and insurance providers.
I generally agree with the simple statement of the less government involvement, the better.
I understand what it’s like to work in a sector with bureaucracy and it’s really hard to get things done. There’s so much “red tape” you need to cross through to get anything – emails, access, things bought, parts made. My opinion would be that less legislation would lead to a more efficient market and proposed solutions, making it such that healthcare would be cheaper. Basic supply and demand.
Climate Change
Biden focused on points to tackle climate change such as investments in renewable energy and a net zero emissions goal by 2050. I do see innovation in industries occurring such as EV, Solar, and manufacturing practices to better and efficiently produce equipment to support renewable energy. Biden also looks to forge relationships internationally to tackle these issues.
Trump downplayed the issue of climate change, and is more so for continued use of fossil fuels for energy independence. Trump seems to be on the stance that the United States needs to come up with solutions on their own, a more independent approach.
Immigration
Biden generally seems compassionate, regarding his administration’s approach to immigration, whereas Trump moreso focused on border security. Immigration has a big impact on both jobs and wages in the United States as there are a large number of undocumented immigrants working.
Foreign Policy
Biden focused on a more globalized and diplomatic approach, whereas Trump criticized his policy as weak. The difference in foreign policy philosophy between the two administrations makes one wonder – what would current geopolitical affairs be like today if Trump were to be president in 2020 vs. Biden?
The US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan was an example of a move that was taken by the Biden Administration that made the United States look weak.
Funny Moments
Some of the highlights of the spectacle would be:
“A thousand trillionaires in the United States”
“You beat Medicare to death”
“I did not have sex with a pornstar”
“I don’t know what he said, I don’t really think he knows what he said either”
Closing Thoughts
This debate actually seemed more civilized than the past one – where there would be many more instances of Trump interrupting Biden. It’s clear that Biden is showing signs of cognitive decline and performance as he’s aging. Trump seemed to present his stance on things very clearly.
About the author
Kazuyoshi Fujimoto, PE
Founder | Engineering Career Coach | Principal Mechanical Engineer
Kazu oversees all of ultmeche’s engineering services. He provides consulting such as resume reviews, rewrites, mock interviews, and all services career related. Additionally, Kazu performs consulting work regarding Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense. Kazu is licensed as a professional engineer in the state of California and has 9+ years of experience in Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense.