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Joe Biden, Donald Trump hold their first presidential TV debate. Key points

The US presidential candidates went head-to-head on CNN. 

Joe Biden and Donald Trump held the first presidential TV debates
Photo: EPA/UPG
Joe Biden and Donald Trump held the first presidential TV debates

Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump spoke live on CNN about the key points of their programmes and answered questions.

Below are the main statements made by the US presidential candidates.

On the war in Ukraine 

Donald Trump: "Putin's terms are unacceptable. But this war should not have happened. If there was a president whom Putin was afraid of, he would not have dared to invade. Biden gave Ukraine $200 billion. Every time Zelenskyy comes, he comes back with $60 billion, he is the best entrepreneur. Thousands of people died, these victims were not needed. I will make Zelenskyy and Putin come to an agreement before I get into office in January 2025. Ukraine will not win this war."

Joe Biden: "Trump told Putin to do whatever he wanted. The Russians thought they would capture Kyiv in five days. It didn't happen. They lost thousands, many thousands of troops. This war threatens world peace. Putin wants to restore the Soviet empire. Trump wants to start a nuclear war. He wants Putin to go to war with NATO countries."

On the economy

Joe Biden: "Trump left us a crumbling economy with rising unemployment. We had to put everything back together again. Things were terrible, he did nothing. It was chaos. His economy only worked for the rich."

Donald Trump: "During my term, the US had the best economy. We dealt with Covid, we spent the money correctly to prevent a great depression. We cut taxes for people at record levels."

On the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and the role of the United States in the world

Donald Trump: "My plan was that we would leave Afghanistan with dignity and strength. When he withdrew, it was the most shameful day in the history of our country. I talk to people from many countries. They cannot believe what has happened to our country in four years. They don't respect us, we give them everything and they give us nothing."

On abortion

Donald Trump: "I will not ban abortion drugs. The Supreme Court has decided that they should not be banned, and I agree with that decision. Every state should decide on abortion. Lawyers say it's the right thing to do."

Joe Biden: "Allowing each state to decide on abortion is like recognising that each state can set its own civil rights. The choice to have an abortion is between a mother and her doctor. I will restore nationwide abortion rights."

On criminal cases

Donald Trump: "I did nothing wrong. The judge was a Democrat. The prosecutors were Democrats. After the jury's decision, more and more people are funding my campaign because they understand that it was a fabricated case. Biden is a criminal. He should be convicted as soon as he leaves office for everything he did during his presidency. My retribution will be in how successful the country is with me. Right now, this country is failing."

On the US and potential World War III

Donald Trump: "He is the worst president in the history of this country. This country is under threat. With him, we could disappear. He is destroying our country. Putin, Xi, Kim Jong-un do not respect him. The wars will not end with him. He will drag us into World War III. World War III is very close."

Joe Biden: "We are the most respected country. We have the most powerful economy. We have the strongest armed forces. No one wants to conflict with us. Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong-un will not dare to conflict with us.”

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