US presidential debate 2024: Biden failed to defend his disastrous record — Trump campaign

Former President Donald Trump[left] and President Joe Biden

In a contentious debate that showcased stark differences in policy approaches, former President Donald Trump unleashed sharp criticism of President Joe Biden's handling of the United States economy and border security.

Moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the two candidates sparred Thursday night, June 27, in their first of two scheduled presidential debates ahead of the November 2024 election.

Trump seized on the nation's ongoing struggles with high inflation and uncontrolled migration at the southern border to argue Americans could not afford four more years of Biden's leadership.

"Tonight President Trump delivered the greatest debate performance and victory in history," said Chris LaCivita, a Trump campaign advisor.

“Over and over President Trump highlighted common-sense plans to reduce inflation, bringing down the costs of groceries, housing, and gas, as well as his plans to bring back his successful first-term policies that kept our southern border secure and free from the wave of Biden Migrant Crimes currently sweeping our country,” LaCivita added in a statement issued after the debate.

Biden struggled at times to counters Trump's attacks on his economic stewardship and border policies.

“Joe Biden on the other hand showed exactly why he deserves to be fired," said the statement co-signed by Susie Wiles, another Trump campaign official.

“Biden was unable to defend his disastrous record on the economy and the border,” it stressed.