Trump and Biden spar on economy after skipping handshake at start of debate

PHOENIX — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump opened their first presidential debate in 2024 without shaking hands and immediately went to work on mixing up the policy on Thursday evening. Some key moments from their 90-minute confrontation.

Their first conversation was about the economy.

Biden spoke softly, his voice husky, as he touted the economic gains he had made during his time in office, saying he had saved them from “free fall” and “chaos” when he took over the presidency from Trump in 2021. He cleared his throat several times.

Trump listened with a bewildered expression but did not attempt to interrupt, although his microphone was muted as Biden spoke.

When it was his turn to speak, Trump boasted about the state of the economy during his time in office, saying that “everything was going well.” He blamed Biden for the rising prices that were frustrating Americans.

“Inflation is destroying our country,” Trump said. “It completely destroys us.”