In the first of two presidential debates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump engaged in a contentious exchange filled with personal insults and policy disputes. Biden's performance appeared shaky and unsteady, raising concerns about his age and ability to serve another term, while Trump delivered his points robustly but included numerous falsehoods, particularly regarding the 2020 election and his legal issues. The debate highlighted stark differences in their policy proposals, with Biden focusing on aiding the financially struggling through measures like the insulin cap, while Trump pushed for tariffs that experts say would disproportionately harm middle- and lower-income families. Questions about their advanced ages were met with deflections and further jabs, with Biden emphasizing his achievements and Trump boasting about his physical fitness. The debate format and moderation by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash were criticized for failing to facilitate substantive discussion, leaning instead towards conflict and spectacle.