Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here

As it happened: Biden, Trump face off in first presidential debate; Debate gets personal; Economy front and centre

KEY EVENTS

US President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, have met for the first debate of the campaign. It was a debate peppered with missteps, stumbles, accusations and lies - as well as a bizarre argument about golf. Follow reaction below.

'Missteps and falsehoods': Biden and Trump face off in first presidential debate

live feed

Harris defends Biden after debate

Vice President Kamala Harris has come out swinging in defence of Joe Biden.

Speaking to CNN, Harris acknowledged it wasn't the best performance from Biden.

"It was a slow start, that's obvious to everyone," she said.

"I'm talking about the choice in November.

"Do we want to look at what November will bring, and go on a course for America that is about the destruction of America?"

She noted that Biden is the only candidate who has the endorsement of his vice president.

Mike Pence has said he will not vote for Trump.

'DEFCON 1 moment for Biden'

President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign manager David Plouffe has described Biden's debate as a "DEFCON 1 moment".

But he said the most important reaction to the debate would be that of voters.

"I have deep suspicion that Donald Trump with swing voters bombed as well," he tol MSNBC.

Scientific polling of the debate performance will not be available for several days.

Reaction: Democrats 'panic' over Biden's performance

Prominent Democrats are considering asking Joe Biden to drop his bid for re-election after a disastrous performance, CNN analyst Abby Phillip has said.

"The panic that I am hearing from Democrats is not like anything I have heard," Phillip said.

"There was a deep frustration about Trump's lies."

"Biden's answers were non-coherent."

Biden and Trump closing statements

Joe Biden has centred his closing statement on the cost-of-living relief he passed during his term, and his plans for the next term.

Appearing to search for his prepared talking points, Biden spoke of his tax policy and reduced prices for insulin and prescription drugs.

Donald Trump's closing statement was more freewheeling, speaking about Afghanistan, Israel, Iran, China, Ukraine, Charlottesville, the military, tax cuts, jobs and health care for veterans in the space of two minutes.

Candidates believe the other will lead to WWIII

Now both candidates are arguing the other would lead the planet into world war three.

"He will drive us into world war three," Trump said.

"We're closer to world war three than anybody can imagine."

Biden hit back.

"You want world war three, let him win and let Putin say, 'Do what you want, NATO'.

"There is a thing called Article 5, an attack on one is an attack on all and requires a response."

Biden, Trump compete on who is the better golfer

Joe Biden has been asked whether he was too old to serve as president.

"I was the second youngest person ever elected to the United States Senate and now I'm the oldest," the 81-year-old said of his 78-year-old opponent.

"This guy is three years younger and a lot less competent."

Trump replied by bragging about acing a cognitive test.

The debate has now descended into a bragging contest about who is better at golf.

"He can't hit a ball 50 yards. He challenged me to a golf match, he can't hit a ball 50 yards," Trump said.

Biden jabbed back.

"I'd be happy to have a driving contest with him. I got my handicap when I was Vice President down to a six.

"By the way, I told you before, I'm happy to play golf if you carry your own bag."

Trump ignores question about drug addiction three times

Moderator Jake Tapper has had to ask Donald Trump the same question about drug addiction three times, with the topic not being addressed.

The first time, Trump spoke at length about the American trade deficit with China.

The second time, Trump spoke about drugs crossing the border.

The third time he spoke about his "Remain in Mexico" immigration policy then about a Wall Street Journal reporter being held in a Russian jail.

© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2024

CONTACT US

Send your stories to contact@9news.com.au

Property News: This place is unfit for humans and sold for almost $900,000.