(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump squared off in the first of two presidential debates as they head toward a rematch of the 2020 election. Meanwhile, challenger Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after not making it to the CNN debate stage, responded to the questions on X.
During the debate, the two candidates traded barbs over the other’s policies, repeatedly calling the other “liar.” Trump avoided questions about the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and accepting the outcome of the 2024 election should he lose, while Biden, hoarse with a cold, struggled to successfully take on Trump on questions about abortion and the border.
In our live blog, you can follow along with real-time updates and analysis from NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer, Elizabeth Prann, Steph Whiteside, Safia Samee Ali and The Hill’s Jesse Byrnes.
Trump arrives in Atlanta
NewsNation’s Libbey Dean was on the tarmac where a crowd of supporters greeted former President Donald Trump as he arrived in Atlanta ahead of the debate.
Biden in Atlanta ahead of debate
President Joe Biden posted photos meeting with supporters ahead of the CNN Presidential Debate in Atlanta.
Why RFK isn’t at the debate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not qualify for the debate against Trump and Biden because he wasn’t on the ballot in enough states. To qualify for the debate, a candidate must appear on the ballot in enough states to reach the 270 Electoral College votes necessary to win the presidential election. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in six states. Participants must also receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters, according to CNN.
Kennedy accused CNN of colluding with Biden and Trump in a complaint to the Federal Election Commission.
“Presidents Biden and Trump do not want me on the debate stage and CNN illegally agreed to their demand,” Kennedy said on X. “My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly. Americans want an independent leader who will break apart the two-party duopoly.”
In the road to the debate, Biden and Trump’s paths diverge
Tonight’s debate could be pivotal for what could shape up to be a tight election in November.
In the lead-up to the debate, Joe Biden and Donald Trump took different paths to preparation. Biden turned to his advisers, while Trump, as he often does, turned to his supporters as he continued to campaign.
Both have attempted to set expectations for the night, with Trump already calling the event biased against him.