The 2024 presidential debate held in June between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden significantly reshaped the political landscape. A year on, June 27, 2025, still elicits vivid memories of a spirited face-off that altered the trajectory of the presidential race. It was unusual for such a crucial debate to happen so early in the election cycle, but the undeniable certainty that both were to be their party’s nominees prompted an early engagement, incited as well by lively social media interactions.
During the 2024 debate, the nation witnessed an impressive performance by Trump, a fact that made Biden’s lackluster showing glaringly apparent. Observers were left questioning Biden’s mental competence, a question that persists to this day. The effects of this concern were far-reaching, leading to an unexpected announcement from Biden a few weeks later where he decided to step down from his campaign, endorsing Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, to take his place.
While the Democrats were swift to rally behind their new choice, it was apparent that the tide had turned in favor of Trump, who eventually won the Presidential election in November. The debate had a high number of memorable moments, some of which were instrumental in shaping the election’s outcome.
An interesting and largely discussed part of the debate was when the discussion about the candidates’ ages took an unexpected turn toward a friendly competition about golfing. In a fail-safe demonstration of his cognitive skills, Trump voiced his recent achievements in club championships. Navigate through the realm of sports with grace and humor, Trump playfully suggested a golf match against Biden.
Joe Biden took on the challenge, indicating his vice presidential years’ golfing handicap of six and even proposing the conditions for the game. In response, Trump showcased wit, which added a lightness to the political discourse. This exchange became an unexpected yet memorable moment of the debate, filled with friendly banter rather than the typical adversarial rhetoric.
One of the glaring moments in this debate was Biden’s ‘freeze moment’ where he lost his train of thought. As Biden worked on elaborating his healthcare and fiscal proposals, he seemed to stumble, concluding with an unclear reference to beating Medicare. In contrast, Trump managed to maintain his eloquence throughout the discussion, further underscoring his mental sharpness and readiness for office.
The topic of age, which has been a consistent point of debate throughout the election, was also addressed. As the two presidential candidates exchanged views on their respective military records, Trump emphasized his popularity amongst the veterans and soldiers. By directly addressing Biden, Trump effectively conveyed his achievements in veteran affairs, indicating his greater leadership abilities.
In response, Biden referred to his late son’s military service and made an attempt to negatively associate Trump with an anonymous report alleging derogatory comments about soldiers. However, Trump, with his usual resilience, refuted the allegations. His adamance and refusal to stand down against anonymous allegations showcased his resilience in the face of adversity.
Biden’s attempt to tarnish Trump’s image misfired in this important public forum. He referenced an unsourced report claiming Trump’s alleged refusal to visit a WWI cemetery, supposedly accompanied by disrespectful comments. Yet the narrative seemed to lack the credibility that the audience demanded, as the former President maintained a strong and confident stance.
As we look back on the historic debate of 2024, it is evident that the impressive performance from Trump contrasted with Biden’s lackluster performance led to a shift in public sentiment. This shift was evidently a significant factor in Trump’s victory in the November election.
Despite attempts from the opposition to depict Trump in a less flattering light, his resilience and confidence stood out. This reinforced his public perception as a strong leader, capable and ready to take on the challenges of presidency.
Throughout the campaign, Trump took every opportunity to showcase his leadership skills and commitment to the country. The result was evident in the voters’ decision to reinstate him as President. The significant moments of the debate undoubtedly played a pivotal role in this outcome.
The 2024 elections will go down in history as a testament to the public’s trust and confidence in Trump’s leadership. The debates showcased his prowess and leadership acumen, establishing the groundwork for his victory and paving the way for a prosperous future.