Presidential debate 2024 LIVE updates — Bumbling Biden helped off stage by wife Jill after disastrous clash with Trump
DONALD Trump and Joe Biden have faced off tonight for the first time since 2020 - and the first lady came to her husband's side as soon as it was over.
First Lady Jill Biden took the debate stage when the closing remarks were completed and walked off with President Biden; meanwhile, Trump left alone.
The presidential candidates exchanged sharp criticisms on various issues including abortion, immigration, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and their economic policies, as they vied to sway a tightly contested race.
Biden, whose voice sounded rough, initially stumbled over his words but gained traction halfway through the debate.
He then targeted Trump, highlighting his conviction for covering up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, labeling him a "felon."
Trump retaliated by mentioning the recent conviction of Biden's son, Hunter, for falsifying information about his drug use to purchase a firearm.
Read our 2024 presidential debate blog for the latest updates...
Voters think that candidates are too 'extreme'
faces a narrow margin behind Trump in the 2024 election, with proving his readiness for a second term becoming a top priority amidst concerns over his age and mental acuity.
A crucial challenge also lies in effectively conveying Trump's perceived extremism, contrasting it with the risks of a second Trump presidency, an argument Biden has struggled to articulate.
Despite Trump's polarizing rhetoric, reveals a surprising perception: 44% of Americans deem Trump "too conservative," while a larger 56% view Biden as "too liberal."
The debate summed up
Caitlin Hornik talks with Times Radio about the 2024 Presidential DebateTrump leads Biden in some of these states
A new series of polls conducted by , Siena College, and The Philadelphia Inquirer reveals that Donald J. Trump currently holds a lead over in five crucial battleground states.
The surveys indicate Trump's advantage among registered voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and , while Biden leads in Wisconsin alone.
Among likely voters, Trump maintains leads in five states, with Biden narrowly ahead in Michigan and closely trailing in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Despite Biden's victories in these states in 2020, securing Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin would be pivotal for his re-election bid, provided he maintains support elsewhere he garnered four years ago, per NYT.
Battleground states hold key to US presidential election decision
With approximately 240 million eligible voters, a critical few will determine the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election. according to .
Experts identify six pivotal states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, , , and Wisconsin — as battlegrounds where either or former President Donald Trump could prevail.
Both parties are focusing their campaigns on winning over undecided voters in these states, recognizing their decisive role in shaping the outcome of the White House race.
Newsom urges focus on ideas over age amid Biden-Trump dissatisfaction
California Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized that voters dissatisfied with Donald Trump and should prioritize ideas over age, citing Bobby Kennedy’s view that courage transcends timidity, according to .
Newsom highlighted the youth’s demand for climate action, investment in green growth, protection of reproductive rights, and sensible gun laws, noting Biden’s commitment and delivery on these issues.
“The world needs are the qualities of youth. Bobby Kennedy said not a time of life but a state of mind, a predominance of courage over a life of timidity,” Newsom said, per CNN.
He dismissed speculation about his own candidacy, reaffirming support for Biden’s reelection bid and criticizing diversion tactics aimed at undermining the administration.
Biden campaign's communications director will be by his side
Michael Tyler, the Biden campaign's communications director, will accompany President Biden on Air Force One as he resumes campaigning post-debate, reports.
The Biden Harris team intends for Tyler's presence to bridge information gaps and engage directly with election-related discussions, contrasting with federal employees like press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who are restricted by the Hatch Act from engaging in campaign activities.
Campaign officials assured that costs associated with Air Force One usage, including airfare and expenses, will be covered by the Biden-Harris campaign to alleviate taxpayer burden.
Hunter Biden's conviction explained
Hunter Biden found guilty in gun trial after explosive testimony about his drug use from his ex-wife and sister-in-lawHunter Biden's reaction to his conviction
Hunter is the first child of a United States president to be convicted of a crime.
The president's son, 54, broke his silence on the verdict, saying he's more grateful for his family's support than the outcome.
"I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome," Hunter said in a statement.
"Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time."
President Biden's statement about his son
"As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad," Joe Biden said in a statement on June 11.
"Jill and I love our son, and we are proud of the man he is today.
"So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.
"As I said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.
"Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that."
Possibility of Hunter Biden going to jail
Could Hunter Biden go to jail?
Will Trachman, general counsel for Mountain States Legal Foundation, told The U.S. Sun it's hard to tell if Biden will be jailed for his gun charge conviction.
The trial took place in Delaware, where the Biden name "goes a long way," said Trachman.
Judge Maryellen Noreika is known to be fair-minded, said Trachman, so given Hunter's age and status as a first-time offender, he believes he would receive a light sentence.
However, due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes, Trachman also believes that Biden could serve jail time.
Hunter faces up to 25 years prison time after being convicted on all charges in the 7-day trial.
Hunter Biden was found guilty in court
Over time, Hunter has faced legal troubles.
In December 2023, he was indicted on nine federal tax charges relating to over $1.4 million in unpaid taxes from 2016 to 2019, a period coinciding with his acknowledged struggles with addiction.
Recently, on June 11, 2024, Hunter was convicted of three felony gun charges for illegally purchasing a firearm while battling substance abuse.
Despite pleading not guilty, he opted not to testify during the trial.
Americans not content with presidential options
As recent indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the anticipated presidential match-up, many Americans have also experienced a decline in their national pride.
Over the past four years, the nation has witnessed significant events including student protests over perceived Biden administration inaction on the Israel-Palestine conflict, ongoing legal challenges for Trump, interstate tensions following the Roe v. Wade reversal, a prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a historic global pandemic.
Now, about one-third of those surveyed (33%) report feeling less proud to be American compared to 2020, while 26% say their pride has increased since then.
Survey revealed that celebrity endorsements won't help
Survey results indicate that just 20% of respondents consider a celebrity endorsement influential in their voting decisions.
Among Baby Boomers, this figure drops to a mere 9%.
Approximately 17% of Generation X voters indicated that endorsements from figures such as Taylor Swift could sway their vote, while 33% of Millennials expressed openness to such influence.
Third of voters are less proud to be American than in 2020
As the presidential election approaches, a third of voters feel less pride in their American identity compared to four years ago, according to an exclusive survey by The U.S. Sun.
The survey reveals that voter preferences remain largely unchanged, with Biden and Trump evenly split, though the former president holds a slight edge with 42% support compared to Biden's 41%.
Despite both candidates securing significant endorsements and celebrity backing, the survey suggests these endorsements are unlikely to sway voter decisions.
The survey sampled 1,000 voters, with 36% identifying as Democrats and 34% as Republicans.
Additionally, 24% identified as independents or with the Green or Libertarian Parties, while 7% indicated no affiliation with any party.
Charges are a class E felony
A class E felony in New York State is the lowest felony charge available and is usually associated with serious crimes that did not warrant a higher felony charge.
“It’s not just about one payment. It is 34 business records,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a press conference following Trump’s arraignment.
“Uh, 34 false statements and business records. They were concealing criminal conduct.”
The Manhattan DA added: “No matter who you are… We cannot and will not normalize serious criminal conduct.”
Charges stem from hush payments
The charges against Trump stem from a $130,000 hush-money payment that his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, made to porn star Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 campaign to silence claims of an affair.
The case also reportedly includes claims of separate payments to a second woman, former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Trump allegedly played a role in paying $150,000 to McDougal, who claims that she began a 10-month relationship with the former president in 2006, according to the .
The former U.S. president also allegedly paid a former Trump Tower doorman $30,000 to silence his claims that Trump had a “child out of wedlock.”
Understanding Trump's legal battles
TRUMP LEGAL BATTLEWhat Trump’s time behind bars might look like, continued
If Trump were to serve jail time, accommodating both him and his Secret Service detail would require significant space.
According to The New York Times, several New York state prisons with available wings could potentially meet this requirement.
For a sentence of one year or less, Trump might be housed at Rikers Island, where his former CFO Allen Weisselberg is currently incarcerated following his conviction.
Despite plans to close Rikers Island by August 2027 due to concerns over conditions, Trump would undergo standard procedures, including intake and potentially strip searches, if held there.
A longer sentence could see Trump placed in one of many New York State prisons.
Alternatively, Trump could avoid incarceration and instead be placed on probation by the city’s Probation Department; however, failure to comply with probation terms or committing additional offenses could result in immediate imprisonment.
What Trump's time behind bars might look like
Trump, possibly becoming the first former president to face incarceration, would necessitate the constant presence of Secret Service agents by law.
According to officials familiar with the matter speaking to , a rotating detail of armed agents would ensure Trump's security, despite strict prison regulations prohibiting firearms.
For safety reasons, Trump would require isolation from other inmates, with agents additionally responsible for screening his personal belongings and food.
However, items such as hair gel or makeup would likely be prohibited.
What to expect from Trump in the next months
What are Donald Trump's next steps?
A jury in New York City has found Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide hush money he had paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
The first former US President to be convicted of a felony but remains the Republican frontrunner in his bid for the White House against Joe Biden.
Trump's sentencing date is scheduled for July 11, 2024, however, his attorneys may try to push this until after the presidential election on November 5, which is unlikely to happen without good cause.
Trump, 77, is still allowed to speak to the press, travel outside the state, and continue his presidential campaign.
His guilty verdict also doesn't automatically make him a convicted felon.
The charges against Trump are Class E felonies, the least serious category in New York law with each count carrying a maximum four-year prison sentence.
Trump could also pay fines and restitution as part of his sentence or face probation.
Judge Juan Merchan said he is weighing several factors regarding Trump's sentence, including his age and lack of a criminal record, however, the former President's actions during the trial could also play a role in the judge's decision.
A guilty verdict doesn't prevent Trump from running for president.
The US Constitution requires that potential US presidents be:
- Natural-born US citizens
- At least 35 years old
- Have lived in the country for at least 14 years
Felons are not barred from holding office.
Trump could face jail time
Donald Trump, 77, faces the prospect of jail time after being found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records, marking a historic first for a former US president.
Scheduled for sentencing on July 11, just ahead of the GOP presidential nomination, Trump could potentially receive up to four years per count, though concurrent sentencing is likely.
New York County District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg has yet to indicate whether he will seek a prison term, leaving Trump's future and Secret Service protection uncertain amid a stark change from his current lifestyle.
It is expected that Trump will appeal his conviction - a process that could take months.
RFJ Jr did not meet debate invite requirements
CNN invited candidates to Thursday’s debate who met the criteria in four reliable polls and had sufficient ballot access to potentially win the presidency.
Kennedy did not meet these requirements.
In response, he has accused CNN of collusion with and Trump, filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission and threatening legal action.
Did the US forget about RFK Jr?
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was not up on tonight's debate stage with and former President Donald Trump.
Apart from a live-streamed response to the debate, Kennedy and his running mate, philanthropist Nicole Shanahan, have nothing on their public schedules for the coming weeks, reported.
Following a busy spring filled with political rallies, fundraisers, and nontraditional campaign events, Kennedy has not been seen much.
Despite his limited visibility on the campaign trail, Kennedy maintains a steady presence on social media and continues to participate in interviews, including a recent appearance with talk show host Dr. Phil.
His efforts aim to keep his candidacy in the public eye as the race heats up.
Vivek Ramaswamy says Trump won debate
Ramaswamy contends that Trump unequivocally dominated the decade and possibly influenced independent voters, per .
He contrasted Trump's performance with what he described as Biden's vulnerabilities, questioning his ability to complete his term, let alone secure re-election.
Ramaswamy warned of what he perceived as Biden's presidency posing a national security risk due to perceived weaknesses.
Vivek Ramaswamy says Trump won debate
Ramaswamy contends that Trump unequivocally dominated the decade and possibly influenced independent voters, per .
He contrasted Trump's performance with what he described as Biden's vulnerabilities, questioning his ability to complete his term, let alone secure re-election.
Ramaswamy warned of what he perceived as Biden's presidency posing a national security risk due to perceived weaknesses.