READ: Biden-Trump debate transcript | CNN Politics

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President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump participated of their first debate of the 2024 election season on CNN in Atlanta Thursday.

Learn the ultimate, corrected transcript of the talk under:

JAKE TAPPER, CNN MODERATOR: We’re stay from Georgia, a key battleground state within the race for the White Home. In simply moments, the present U.S. president will debate the previous U.S. president as their events’ presumptive nominees, a primary in American historical past.

We need to welcome our viewers in america and all over the world to our studios in Atlanta.

That is the CNN presidential debate.

DANA BASH, CNN MODERATOR: This debate is being produced by CNN and it’s coming to you reside on CNN, CNN Worldwide, CNN.com, CNN Max, and CNN Espanol.

It is a pivotal second between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump of their rematch for the nation’s highest workplace. Every will make his case to the American folks with simply over 4 months till Election Day.

Good night. I’m Dana Bash, anchor of CNN’s “Inside Politics” and co-anchor of “State Of The Union.”

TAPPER:  I’m Jake Tapper, anchor of CNN’s “The Lead” and co-anchor of “State Of The Union.”

Dana and I’ll co-moderate this night. Our job is to facilitate a debate between the 2 candidates tonight.

Earlier than we introduce them, we need to share the principles of the talk with the viewers at house.

Former President Trump will probably be on the left facet of the display. President Biden will probably be showing on the appropriate. A coin toss decided their positions.

Every candidate may have two minutes to reply a query, and one minute every for responses and rebuttals. An extra minute for follow-up, clarification or response is on the moderators’ discretion.

BASH:  When it’s time for a candidate to talk, his microphone will probably be turned on and his opponent’s microphone will probably be turned off. Ought to a candidate interrupt when his microphone is muted, he will probably be obscure for viewers at house.

On the finish of the talk, every candidate will get two minutes for closing statements.

There isn’t any studio viewers tonight. Pre-written notes, props or contact with marketing campaign employees are usually not permitted in the course of the debate.

By accepting our invitation to debate, each candidates and their campaigns agreed to just accept these guidelines.

TAPPER:  Now please welcome the forty sixth president of america, Joe Biden.

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: How are you? Good to be right here. Thanks.

TAPPER:  And please welcome the forty fifth president of america, Donald Trump.

Gents, thanks a lot for being right here. Let’s start the talk. And let’s begin with the problem that voters constantly say is their high concern, the economic system.

President Biden, inflation has slowed, however costs stay excessive. Because you took workplace, the value of necessities has elevated. For instance, a basket of groceries that price $100 then, now prices greater than $12; and typical house costs have jumped greater than 30 p.c.

What do you say to voters who really feel they’re worse off underneath your presidency than they have been underneath President Trump?

BIDEN:  You could have to try what I used to be left after I turned president, what Mr. Trump left me.

We had an economic system that was in freefall. The pandemic are so badly dealt with, many individuals have been dying. All he stated was, it’s not that severe. Simply inject a bit of bleach in your arm. It’d be all proper.

The economic system collapsed. There have been no jobs. Unemployment charge rose to fifteen p.c. It was horrible.

And so, what we needed to do is attempt to put issues again collectively once more. That’s precisely what we started to do. We created 15,000 new jobs. We introduced on – able the place we’ve got 800,000 new manufacturing jobs.

However there’s extra to be achieved. There’s extra to be achieved. Working class individuals are nonetheless in hassle.

I come from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I come from a family the place the kitchen desk – if issues weren’t capable of be met in the course of the month was an issue. Value of eggs, the value of fuel, the value of housing, the value of an entire vary of issues.

That’s why I’m working so onerous to verify I take care of these issues. And we’re going to guarantee that we cut back the value of housing. We’re going to verify we construct 2 million new models. We’re going to verify we cap rents, so company greed can’t take over.

The mix of what I used to be left after which company greed are the explanation why we’re on this downside proper now.

Along with that, we’re in a state of affairs the place if you happen to had – check out all that was achieved in his administration, he didn’t do a lot in any respect. By the point he left, there’s – issues had been in chaos. There was (ph) actually chaos.

And so, we put issues again collectively. We created, as I stated, these (ph) jobs. We made certain we had a state of affairs the place we now – we introduced down the value of pharmaceuticals, which is a serious difficulty for many individuals, to $15 for – for an insulin shot, versus $400. No senior has to pay greater than $200 for any drug – all of the medicine they (inaudible) starting subsequent yr.

And the state of affairs is making – and we’re going to make that obtainable to everyone, to all Individuals. So we’re working to convey down the costs across the kitchen desk. And that’s what we’re going to get achieved.

TAPPER:  Thanks.

President Trump?

DONALD TRUMP, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CURRENT U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We had the best economic system within the historical past of our nation. We had by no means achieved so effectively. Each – everyone was amazed by it. Different nations have been copying us.

We received hit with COVID. And after we did, we spent the cash needed so we wouldn’t find yourself in a Nice Despair the likes of which we had in 1929. By the point we completed – so we did an important job. We received loads of credit score for the economic system, loads of credit score for the navy, and no wars and so many different issues. Every little thing was rocking good.

However the factor we by no means received the credit score for, and we should always have, is getting us out of that COVID mess. He created mandates; that was a catastrophe for our nation.

However aside from that, we had – we had given them again a – a rustic the place the inventory market truly was increased than pre-COVID, and no person thought that was even attainable. The one jobs he created are for unlawful immigrants and bounceback jobs; they’re bounced again from the COVID.

He has not achieved a very good job. He’s achieved a poor job. And inflation’s killing our nation. It’s completely killing us.

TAPPER:  Thanks.

President Biden?

BIDEN:  Properly, look, the best economic system on the earth, he’s the one one who thinks that, I feel. I don’t know anyone else who thinks it was nice – he had the best economic system on the earth.

And, you understand, the very fact of the matter is that we discovered ourselves in a state of affairs the place his economic system – he rewarded the rich. He had the most important tax reduce in American historical past, $2 trillion. He raised the deficit bigger than any president has in anyone time period. He’s the one president aside from Herbert Hoover who has misplaced extra jobs than he had when he started, since Herbert Hoover. The concept he did one thing that was important.

And the navy – you understand, when he was president, they have been nonetheless killing folks in Afghanistan. He didn’t do something about that. When he was president, we nonetheless discovered ourselves able the place you had a notion that we have been this secure nation. The reality is, I’m the one president this century that doesn’t have any – this – this decade – doesn’t have any troops dying anyplace on the earth, like he did.

TAPPER:  President Trump, I need to observe up, if I can. You wished…

TRUMP:  Am I allowed to reply to him?

TAPPER:  Properly, I’m going to ask you a follow-up. You are able to do no matter you need with the minute that we provide you with.

I need to observe up. You need to impose a ten p.c tariff on all items coming into the U.S. How will you make sure that that doesn’t drive costs even increased?

TRUMP:  Not going to drive them increased. It’s simply going to trigger nations which have been ripping us off for years, like China and plenty of others, in all equity to China – it’s going to only pressure them to pay us some huge cash, cut back our deficit tremendously, and provides us loads of energy for different issues.

However he – he made a press release. The one factor he was proper about is I gave you the most important tax reduce in historical past. I additionally gave you the most important regulation reduce in historical past. That’s why we had all the roles. And the roles went down after which they bounced again and he’s taking credit score for bounceback jobs. You possibly can’t do this.

He additionally stated he inherited 9 p.c inflation. No, he inherited virtually no inflation and it stayed that means for 14 months. After which it blew up underneath his management, as a result of they spent cash like a bunch of folks that didn’t know what they have been doing. And so they don’t know what they have been doing. It was the worst – in all probability the worst administration in historical past. There’s by no means been.

And so far as Afghanistan is worried, I used to be getting out of Afghanistan, however we have been getting out with dignity, with energy, with energy. He received out, it was probably the most embarrassing day within the historical past of our nation’s life.

TAPPER:  President Trump, during the last eight years, underneath each of your administrations, the nationwide debt soared to report highs. And based on a brand new non-partisan evaluation, President Trump, your administration accredited $8.4 trillion in new debt. Whereas to this point, President Biden, you’ve accredited $4.3 trillion in new debt.

So former President Trump, lots of the tax cuts that you simply signed into legislation are set to run out subsequent yr. You need to lengthen them and go even additional, you say. With the U.S. going through trillion-dollar deficits and report debt, why ought to high earners and companies pay even much less in taxes than they do now?

TRUMP:  As a result of the tax cuts spurred the best economic system that we’ve ever seen simply previous to COVID, and even after COVID. It was so sturdy that we have been capable of get via COVID significantly better than simply about some other nation. However we spurred – that tax spurred.

Now, after we reduce the taxes – for example, the company tax was reduce right down to 21 p.c from 39 p.c, plus past that – we took in additional income with a lot much less tax and firms have been bringing again trillions of {dollars} again into our nation.

The nation was going like by no means earlier than. And we have been prepared to begin paying down debt. We have been prepared to begin utilizing the liquid gold proper underneath our toes, the oil and fuel proper underneath our toes. We have been going to have one thing that no person else has had. We received hit with COVID. We did lots to repair it. I gave him an unbelievable state of affairs, with the entire therapeutics and the entire issues that we got here up with. We – we gave him one thing nice.

Keep in mind, extra folks died underneath his administration, regardless that we had largely mounted it. Extra folks died underneath his administration than our administration, and we have been proper in the midst of it. One thing which lots of people don’t like to speak about, however he had much more folks dying in his administration.

He did the mandate, which is a catastrophe. Mandating it. The vaccine went out. He did a mandate on the vaccine, which is the factor that folks most objected to in regards to the vaccine. And he did a really poor job, only a very poor job.

And I’ll inform you, not solely poor there, however all through all the world, we’re not revered as a rustic. They don’t respect our management. They don’t respect america anymore.

We’re like a Third World nation. Between weaponization of his election, making an attempt to go after his political opponent, the entire issues he’s achieved, we’ve change into like a Third World nation. And it’s a disgrace the harm he’s achieved to our nation.

And I’d like to ask him, and can, why he allowed thousands and thousands of individuals to come back in right here from prisons, jails and psychological establishments to come back into our nation and destroy our nation.

TAPPER:  President Trump, we are going to get to immigration later on this block.

President Biden, I need to give you a chance to reply to this query in regards to the nationwide debt.

BIDEN:  He had the most important nationwide debt of any president four-year interval, primary.

Quantity two, he received $2 trillion tax reduce, benefited the very rich.

What I’m going to do is repair the taxes.

For instance, we’ve got a thousand trillionaires in America – I imply, billionaires in America. And what’s occurring? They’re in a state of affairs the place they, in truth, pay 8.2 p.c in taxes. If they only paid 24 p.c or 25 p.c, both a kind of numbers, they’d raised $500 million – billion {dollars}, I ought to say, in a 10-year interval.

We’d have the ability to proper – wipe out his debt. We’d have the ability to assist guarantee that – all these issues we have to do, childcare, elder care, ensuring that we proceed to strengthen our healthcare system, ensuring that we’re capable of make each single solitary particular person eligible for what I’ve been capable of do with the COVID – excuse me, with coping with all the pieces we’ve got to do with.

Look, if – we lastly beat Medicare.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden.

President Trump?

TRUMP:  Properly, he’s proper: He did beat Medicaid (ph). He beat it to loss of life. And he’s destroying Medicare, as a result of all of those individuals are coming in, they’re placing them on Medicare, they’re placing them on Social Safety. They’re going to destroy Social Safety.

This man goes to single-handedly destroy Social Safety. These thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of individuals coming in, they’re making an attempt to place them on Social Safety. He’ll wipe out Social Safety. He’ll wipe out Medicare. So he was proper in the way in which he completed that sentence, and it’s a disgrace.

What’s occurred to our nation within the final 4 years is to not be believed. Overseas nations – I’m associates with lots of people. They can’t consider what occurred to america of America. We’re not revered. They don’t like us. We give them all the pieces they need, they usually – they suppose we’re silly. They suppose we’re very silly folks.

What we’re doing for different nations, they usually do nothing for us. What this man has achieved is completely prison.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

Dana?

BASH:  That is the primary presidential election because the Supreme Court docket overturned Roe v. Wade. This morning, the court docket dominated on yet one more abortion case, quickly permitting emergency abortions to proceed in Idaho regardless of that state’s restrictive ban.

Former President Trump, you are taking credit score for the choice to overturn Roe v. Wade, which returned the problem of abortion to the states.

TRUMP:  Right.

BASH:  Nonetheless, the federal authorities nonetheless performs a job in whether or not or not girls have entry to abortion tablets. They’re utilized in about two-thirds of all abortions.

As president, would you block abortion treatment?

TRUMP:  Initially, the Supreme Court docket simply accredited the abortion tablet. And I agree with their determination to have achieved that, and I can’t block it.

And if you happen to take a look at this complete query that you simply’re asking, a posh, however not likely advanced – 51 years in the past, you had Roe v. Wade, and everyone wished to get it again to the states, everyone, with out exception. Democrats, Republicans, liberals, conservatives, everyone wished it again. Spiritual leaders.

And what I did is I put three nice Supreme Court docket justices on the court docket, they usually occurred to vote in favor of killing Roe v. Wade and transferring it again to the states. That is one thing that everyone wished.

Now, 10 years in the past or so, they began speaking about what number of weeks and what number of of this – entering into different issues, However each authorized scholar, all through the world, probably the most revered, wished it introduced again to the states. I did that.

Now the states are working it out. For those who take a look at Ohio, it was a call that was – that was an finish consequence that was a bit of bit extra liberal than you’ll have thought. Kansas I’d say the identical factor. Texas is completely different. Florida is completely different. However they’re all making their very own choices proper now. And proper now, the states management it. That’s the vote of the folks.

Like Ronald Reagan, I consider within the exceptions. I’m an individual that believes. And admittedly, I feel it’s vital to consider within the exceptions. Some folks – it’s a must to observe your coronary heart. Some folks don’t consider in that. However I consider within the exceptions for rape, incest and the lifetime of the mom. I feel it’s essential. Some folks don’t. Observe your coronary heart.

However it’s a must to get elected additionally and – as a result of that has to do with different issues. You bought to get elected.

The issue they’ve is that they’re radical, as a result of they may take the life of a kid within the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after delivery – after delivery.

For those who take a look at the previous governor of Virginia, he was prepared to do that. He stated, we’ll put the child apart and we’ll decide what we do with the child. Which means, we’ll kill the child.

What occurred is we introduced it again to the states and the nation is now coming collectively on this difficulty. It’s been an important factor.

BASH:  Thanks.

President Biden?

BIDEN:  It’s been a horrible factor what you’ve achieved.

The actual fact is that the overwhelming majority of constitutional students supported Roe when it was determined, supported Roe. And I used to be – that’s – this concept that they have been all towards it’s simply ridiculous.

And that is the man who says the states ought to have the ability to have it. We’re in a state the place in six weeks you don’t even know whether or not you’re pregnant or not, however you can’t see a physician, have your – and have him determine on what your circumstances are, whether or not you need assistance.

The concept states are capable of do it is a little like saying, we’re going to show civil rights again to the states, let every state have a distinct rule.

Look, there’s so many younger girls who’ve been – together with a younger girl who simply was murdered and he went to the funeral. The concept she was murdered by – by – by an immigrant coming in and (inaudible) discuss that.

However right here’s the deal, there’s loads of younger girls who’re being raped by their – by their in-laws, by their – by their spouses, brothers and sisters, by – simply – it’s simply – it’s simply ridiculous. And so they can do nothing about it. And so they attempt to arrest them once they cross state strains.

BASH:  Thanks.

TRUMP:  There have been many younger girls murdered by the identical folks he permits to come back throughout our border. We now have a border that’s probably the most harmful place anyplace on the earth – thought of probably the most harmful place anyplace on the earth. And he opened it up, and these killers are coming into our nation, and they’re raping and killing girls. And it’s a horrible factor.

So far as the abortion’s involved, it’s now again with the states. The states are voting and in lots of instances, they – it’s, frankly, a really liberal determination. In lots of instances, it’s the other.

However they’re voting and it’s bringing it again to the vote of the folks, which is what everyone wished, together with the founders, in the event that they knew about this difficulty, which frankly they didn’t, however they might have – everyone need it introduced again.

Ronald Reagan wished it introduced again. He wasn’t capable of get it.

All people wished it introduced again and plenty of presidents had tried to get it again. I used to be the one to do it.

And once more, this provides it the vote of the folks. And that’s the place they wished it. Each authorized scholar wished it that means.

BASH:  Staying on the subject of abortion, President Biden, seven states – I’ll allow you to do this. This is identical subject.

Seven states haven’t any authorized restrictions on how far right into a being pregnant a lady can receive an abortion. Do you assist any authorized limits on how late a lady ought to have the ability to terminate a being pregnant?

BIDEN:  I supported Roe v. Wade, which had three trimesters.

First time is between a lady and a physician. Second time is between a physician and an excessive state of affairs. A 3rd time is between the physician – I imply, it’d be between the girl and the state.

The concept the politicians – that the founders wished the politicians to be those making choices a couple of girl’s well being is ridiculous. That’s the final – no politician must be making that call. A physician must be making these choices. That’s the way it must be run. That’s what you’re going to do.

And if I’m elected, I’m going to revive Roe v. Wade.

TRUMP:  So meaning he can take the lifetime of the child within the ninth month and even after delivery, as a result of some states, Democrat-run, take it after delivery. Once more, the governor – former governor of Virginia:  put the child down, then we determine what to do with it.

So he’s in – he’s prepared to, as we are saying, rip the child out of the womb within the ninth month and kill the child.

No person desires that to occur. Democrat or Republican, no person desires it to occur.

BIDEN:  He’s mendacity. That’s merely not true.

That – Roe v. Wade doesn’t present for that. That’s not the circumstance. Solely when the girl’s life is at risk, she’s going to die, that’s the one circumstance by which that may occur.

However we’re not for late-term abortion, interval, interval, interval.

TRUMP:  Beneath Roe v. Wade, you’ve gotten late-term abortion. You are able to do no matter you need. Relying on the state, you are able to do no matter you need.

We don’t suppose that’s a very good factor. We predict it’s a radical factor. We predict the Democrats are the radicals, not the Republicans.

BIDEN:  For 51 years, that was the legislation. 51 years, constitutional scholarship stated it was the appropriate technique to go. 51 years. And it was taken away as a result of this man put very conservative members on the Supreme Court docket. Takes credit score for taking it away.

What’s he going to do? What’s he going to do, in truth, if – if the MAGA Republicans – he will get elected, and the MAGA Republicans management the Congress they usually cross a common ban on abortion, interval, throughout the board at six weeks or seven or eight or 10 weeks, one thing very, very conservative? Is he going to signal that invoice? I’ll veto it. He’ll signal it.

BASH:  Thanks.

TAPPER:  Let’s flip now to the problem of immigration and border safety.

President Biden, a report variety of migrants have illegally crossed the southern border in your watch, overwhelming border states and overburdening cities resembling New York and Chicago, and in some instances inflicting actual security and safety issues. On condition that, why ought to voters belief you to unravel this disaster?

BIDEN:  As a result of we labored very onerous to get a bipartisan settlement that not solely modified all of that, it made certain that we’re in a state of affairs the place you had no circumstance the place they might come throughout the border with the variety of border police there at the moment are. We considerably elevated the variety of asylum officers. Considerably – by the way in which, the Border Patrol endorsed me, endorsed my place.

Along with that, we discovered ourselves in a state of affairs the place, when he was president, he was taking – separating infants from their moms, placing them in cages, ensuring the households have been separated. That’s not the appropriate technique to go.

What I’ve achieved – since I’ve modified the legislation, what’s occurred? I’ve modified it in a means that now you’re in a state of affairs the place there are 40 p.c fewer folks coming throughout the border illegally. It’s higher than when he left workplace. And I’m going to proceed to maneuver till we get the entire ban on the – the entire initiative relative to what we’re going to do with extra Border Patrol and extra asylum officers.

TAPPER:  President Trump?

TRUMP:  I actually don’t know what he stated on the finish of that sentence. I don’t suppose he is aware of what he stated both.

Look, we had the most secure border within the historical past of our nation. The border – all he needed to do was depart it. All he needed to do was depart it.

He determined to open up our border, open up our nation to folks which might be from prisons, folks which might be from psychological establishments, insane asylum, terrorists. We now have the most important variety of terrorists coming into our nation proper now. All terrorists, everywhere in the world – not simply in South America, everywhere in the world. They arrive from the Center East, in all places. Everywhere in the world, they’re pouring in. And this man simply left it open.

And he didn’t want laws as a result of I didn’t have laws. I stated, shut the border. We had the most secure border in historical past. In that closing couple of months of my presidency, we had, based on Border Patrol – who’s nice, and, by the way in which, who endorsed me for president. However I received’t say that. However they endorsed me for president.

Brandon, simply communicate to him.

However, look, we had the most secure border in historical past. Now we’ve got the worst border in historical past. There’s by no means been something prefer it. And individuals are dying in all places, together with the folks which might be developing in caravans.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

President Biden?

BIDEN:  The one terrorist who has achieved something crossing the border is one who got here alongside and killed three in his administration, killed – an al-Qaida particular person in his administration killed three American troopers, killed three American troopers. That’s the one terrorist that’s there.

I’m not saying no terrorist ever received via. However the concept they’re emptying their prisons, we’re welcoming these folks, that’s merely not true. There’s no information to assist what he stated.

As soon as once more, he’s exaggerating. He’s mendacity.

TAPPER:  President Trump, staying on the subject of immigration, you’ve stated that you simply’re going to hold out, quote, “the most important home deportation operation in American historical past,” unquote. Does that imply that you’ll deport each undocumented immigrant in America, together with those that have jobs, together with these whose spouses are residents, and together with those that have lived right here for many years? And if that’s the case, how will you do it?

TRUMP:  Can I get one second?

He stated we killed three folks. The folks we killed are al-Baghdadi and Salamani (sic), the 2 best terrorists, largest terrorists anyplace on the earth. And it had a huge effect on all the pieces; not simply border, on all the pieces.

He’s the one which killed folks with the unhealthy border, together with tons of of hundreds of individuals dying, and in addition killing our residents once they are available in. We – we live proper now in a rat’s nest. They’re killing our folks in New York, in California, in each state within the union, as a result of we don’t have borders anymore. Each state is now a border.

And due to his ridiculous, insane and really silly insurance policies, individuals are coming in they usually’re killing our residents at a stage that we’ve by no means seen. We name it migrant crime. I name it Biden migrant crime.

They’re killing our residents at a stage that we’ve by no means seen earlier than. And also you’re studying it like these three unbelievable younger women over the previous couple of days. One in all them, I simply spoke to the mom, and we simply had the funeral for this lady, 12 years previous.

That is horrible what’s taken place. What’s taken place in our nation, we’re actually an uncivilized nation now.

He doesn’t need it to be. He simply doesn’t know. He opened the borders no person’s ever seen something like. And we’ve got to get loads of these folks out and we’ve got to get them out quick, as a result of they’re going to destroy our nation.

Simply check out the place they’re residing. They’re residing in luxurious motels in New York Metropolis and different locations. Our veterans are on the road, they’re dying, as a result of he doesn’t care about our veterans. He doesn’t care. He doesn’t just like the navy in any respect. And he doesn’t care about our veterans.

No person’s been worse. I had the very best approval ranking for veterans, caring for the V.A. He has the worst. He’s gotten rid of all of the issues that I accredited, selection, that I received via Congress. The entire various things I accredited, they deserted.

We had, by far, the very best, and now it’s down in lower than half as a result of he’s achieved – all these nice issues that we did – and I feel he did it simply because I accredited it, which is loopy. However he has killed so many individuals at our border by permitting…

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

TRUMP:  … all of those folks to come back in.

TAPPER:  President Biden…

TRUMP:  And it’s a really unhappy day in America.

TAPPER:  President Biden, you’ve gotten the mic.

BIDEN:  Each single factor he stated is a lie, each single one.

For instance, veterans are a hell of lots higher off since I handed the PACT Act. A million of them now have insurance coverage, and their households have it – and their households have it. As a result of what occurred, whether or not was Agent Orange or burn pits, they’re all being coated now. And he opposed – his group opposed that.

We’re additionally in a state of affairs the place we’ve got nice respect for veterans. My – my son spent a yr in Iraq residing subsequent to a kind of burn pits. Got here again with stage 4 glioblastoma.

I used to be not too long ago in – in – in France for D-Day, and I spoke to all – about these heroes that died. I went to the World Warfare II cemetery – World Warfare I cemetery he refused to go to. He was standing together with his four-star basic, and he advised him – he stated, I don’t need to go in there as a result of they’re a bunch of losers and suckers.

My son was not a loser. He was not a sucker. You’re the sucker. You’re the loser.

TAPPER:  President Trump?

TRUMP:  Initially, that was a made-up quote, suckers and losers. They made it up. It was in a third-rate journal that’s failing, like many of those magazines. He made that up. He put it in commercials. We’ve notified them. We had 19 folks that stated I didn’t say it.

And consider this, who would say – I’m at a cemetery, or I’m speaking about our veterans – as a result of no person’s taken higher care – I’m so glad this got here up, and he introduced it up. There’s no person that’s taken higher care of our troopers than I’ve.

To suppose that I’d, in entrance of generals and others, say suckers and losers – we’ve got 19 folks that stated it was by no means stated by me. It was made up by him, identical to Russia, Russia, Russia was made up, identical to the 51 intelligence brokers are made up, identical to the brand new factor with the 16 economists are speaking.

It’s the identical factor. Fifty-one intelligence brokers stated that the laptop computer was Russia disinformation. It wasn’t. That got here from his son Hunter. It wasn’t Russia disinformation. He made up the suckers and losers, so he ought to apologize to me proper now.

BIDEN:  You had a four-star basic stand at your facet, who was in your employees, who stated you stated it, interval. That’s primary.

And, quantity two, the concept – the concept I’ve to apologize to you for something alongside the strains. We’ve achieved extra for veterans than any president has in American historical past – American historical past. And so they now – and their household. The one sacred obligation we’ve got as a rustic is to look after our veterans once they come house, and their households, and equip them once they go to battle.

That’s what we’re doing. That’s what the V.A. is doing now. They’re doing extra for veterans than ever earlier than in our historical past.

TAPPER:  All proper. Thanks a lot.

BASH:  Let’s transfer to the subject of international coverage. I need to start with Russia’s battle towards Ukraine, which is now in its third yr.

Former President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin says he’ll solely finish this battle if Russia retains the Ukrainian territory it has already claimed and Ukraine abandons its bid to affix NATO.

Are Putin’s phrases acceptable to you?

TRUMP:  Initially, our veterans and our troopers can’t stand this man. They will’t stand him. They suppose he’s the worst commander in chief, if that’s what you name him, that we’ve ever had. They will’t stand him. So let’s get that straight.

And so they like me extra than simply about any of them. And that’s based mostly on each single bit of data.

So far as Russia and Ukraine, if we had an actual president, a president that knew – that was revered by Putin, he would have by no means – he would have by no means invaded Ukraine.

Lots of people are lifeless proper now, way more than folks know. You realize, they discuss numbers. You possibly can double these numbers, possibly triple these numbers. He did nothing to cease it. In actual fact, I feel he inspired Russia from moving into.

I’ll inform you what occurred, he was so unhealthy with Afghanistan, it was such a horrible embarrassment, most embarrassing second within the historical past of our nation, that when Putin watched that and he noticed the incompetence that he ought to – he ought to have fired these generals like I fired the one that you simply talked about, and so he’s received no love misplaced. However he ought to have fired these generals.

No basic received fired for probably the most embarrassing second within the historical past of our nation, Afghanistan, the place we left billions of {dollars} of apparatus behind, we misplaced 13 lovely troopers and 38 troopers have been obliterated. And by the way in which, we left folks behind too. We left Americans behind.

When Putin noticed that, he stated, you understand what? I feel we’re going to go in and possibly take my – this was his dream. I talked to him about it, his dream. The distinction is he by no means would have invaded Ukraine. By no means.

Identical to Israel would have by no means been invaded, in 1,000,000 years, by Hamas. You realize why? As a result of Iran was broke with me. I wouldn’t let anyone do enterprise with them. They ran out of cash. They have been broke. They’d no cash for Hamas. They’d no cash for something. No cash for terror.

That’s why you had no terror in any respect throughout my administration. This place, the entire world is blowing up underneath him.

BASH:  President Biden?

BIDEN:  I’ve by no means heard a lot malarkey in my complete life.

Look, the very fact of the matter is that we’re in a state of affairs the place – let’s take the final level first.  Iran attacked American troops, killed, brought on mind harm for quite a few these troops, and he did nothing about it. Lately – when he was president, they attacked. He stated they’re simply having complications. That’s all it’s. We didn’t do a factor when the assault came about, primary.

Quantity two, we received over 100,000 Individuals and others out of Afghanistan throughout that airlift.

Quantity three, we discovered ourselves in a state of affairs the place, if you happen to check out what Trump did in Ukraine, he’s – this man advised Ukraine – advised Trump, do no matter you need. Do no matter you need. And that’s precisely what Trump did to Putin, inspired him, do no matter you need. And he went in.

And take heed to what he stated when he went in, he was going to take Kyiv in 5 days, keep in mind? As a result of it’s a part of the previous Soviet Union. That’s what he wished to re-establish, Kyiv. And he, in truth, didn’t do it in any respect. He didn’t – wasn’t capable of get it achieved. And so they’ve misplaced over – they’ve misplaced hundreds and hundreds of troops, 500,000 troops.

BASH:  Thanks.

President Trump…

TRUMP:  I by no means stated that.

BASH:  … I’m going to come back again to you for one minute. I simply need to return to my unique query, which is, are Putin’s phrases acceptable to you, holding the territory in Ukraine?

TRUMP:  No, they’re not acceptable. No, they’re not acceptable.

However look, it is a battle that by no means ought to have began. If we had a frontrunner on this battle – he led everyone alongside. He’s given $200 billion now or extra to Ukraine. He’s given $200 billion. That’s some huge cash. I don’t suppose there’s ever been something prefer it. Each time that Zelenskyy involves this nation, he walks away with $60 billion. He’s the best salesman ever.

And I’m not knocking him, I’m not knocking something. I’m solely saying, the cash that we’re spending on this battle, and we shouldn’t be spending, it ought to have by no means occurred.

I’ll have that battle settled between Putin and Zelenskyy as president-elect earlier than I take workplace on January twentieth. I’ll have that battle settled.

Individuals being killed so needlessly, so stupidly, and I’ll get it settled and I’ll get it settled quick, earlier than I take workplace.

BASH:  President Biden, you’ve gotten a minute.

BIDEN:  The actual fact is that Putin is a battle prison. He’s killed hundreds and hundreds of individuals. And he has made one factor clear: He desires to re-establish what was a part of the Soviet Empire. Not only a piece, he desires all of Ukraine. That’s what he desires.

After which do you suppose he’ll cease there? Do you suppose he’ll cease when he – if he takes Ukraine? What do you suppose occurs to Poland? What do you consider Belarus? What do you suppose occurs to these NATO nations?

And so, if you would like a battle, you ought to search out out what he’s going to do. As a result of if, in truth, he does what he says and walks away – by the way in which, all that cash we give Ukraine and weapons we make right here in america. We give them the weapons, not the cash at this level. And our NATO allies have produced as a lot funding for Ukraine as we’ve got. That’s why it’s – that’s why we’re sturdy.

BASH:  Thanks.

Transferring on to the Center East, in October, Hamas attacked Israel, killing greater than a thousand folks and taking tons of of hostages. Amongst these held and thought to nonetheless be alive are 5 Individuals. Israel’s response has killed hundreds of Palestinians and created a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

President Biden, you’ve put ahead a proposal to resolve this battle. However to this point, Hamas has not launched the remaining hostages and Israel is continuous its navy offensive in Gaza.

So what extra leverage will you employ to get Hamas and Israel to finish the battle? You could have two minutes.

BIDEN:  Primary, everybody from the United Nations Safety Council straight via to the G7 to the Israelis and Netanyahu himself have endorsed the plan I put ahead, endorsed the plan I put ahead, which has three levels to it.

The primary stage is commerce the hostages for a ceasefire. Second part is a ceasefire with extra situations. The third part is know – the tip of the battle.

The one one who desires the battle to proceed is Hamas, primary. They’re the one ones standing out (ph). We’re nonetheless pushing onerous from – to get them to just accept.

Within the meantime, what’s occurred in Israel? We’re lastly – the one factor I’ve denied Israel was 2,000-pound bombs. They don’t work very effectively in populated areas. They kill loads of harmless folks. We’re offering Israel with all of the weapons they want and once they want them.

And by the way in which, I’m the man that organized the world towards Iran once they had a full-blown type of ballistic – ballistic missile assault on Israel. Nobody was damage. No – one Israeli was by accident killed. And it stopped. We saved Israel.

We’re the most important producer of assist for Israel than anybody on the earth. And so, that’s – there’re two various things.

Hamas can’t be allowed to be continued. We proceed to ship our specialists and our intelligence folks to how they will get Hamas like we did Bin Laden. You don’t should do it.

And by the way in which, they’ve been enormously weakened, Hamas, enormously weakened. And they need to be. They need to be eradicated.

However you bought to watch out for what you employ these sure weapons amongst inhabitants facilities.

TRUMP:  Simply going again to Ukraine for one second, we’ve got an ocean separating us. The European nations collectively have spent $100 billion, or possibly greater than that, lower than us. Why doesn’t he name them so you bought to place up your cash like I did with NATO? I received them to place up tons of of billions of {dollars}. The secretary basic of NATO stated Trump did probably the most unbelievable job I’ve ever seen. You wouldn’t – they wouldn’t have any – they have been going out of enterprise. We have been spending – virtually 100% of the cash was – it was paid by us.

He didn’t do this. He’s getting all – you bought to ask these folks to place up the cash. We’re over $100 billion extra spent, and it has a much bigger influence on them, due to location, as a result of we’ve got an ocean in between. You bought to ask them.

So far as Israel and Hamas, Israel’s the one that wishes to go – he stated the one one who desires to maintain going is Hamas. Really, Israel is the one. And you need to them go and allow them to end the job.

He doesn’t need to do it. He’s change into like a Palestinian. However they don’t like him, as a result of he’s a really unhealthy Palestinian. He’s a weak one.

BASH:  President Biden, you’ve gotten a minute.

BIDEN:  I’ve by no means heard a lot foolishness.

It is a man who desires to get out of NATO. You’re going to remain in NATO otherwise you’re going to tug out of NATO?

The concept we’ve got – our energy lies in our alliances as effectively. It might be an enormous ocean, however we’re – (inaudible) capable of keep away from a battle in Europe, a serious battle in Europe. What occurs if, in truth, you’ve gotten Putin proceed to enter NATO? We now have an Article 5 settlement, assault on one is assault on all. You need to begin the nuclear battle he retains speaking about, go forward, let Putin go in and management Ukraine after which transfer on to Poland and different locations. See what occurs then.

He has no concept what the hell he’s speaking about.

And by the way in which, I received 50 different nations all over the world to assist Ukraine, together with Japan and South Korea, as a result of they perceive that this was – this – this sort of dislocation has a severe risk to the entire world peace. No – no main battle in Europe has ever been capable of be contained simply to Europe.

BASH:  President Trump, simply to observe up, would you assist the creation of an unbiased Palestinian state in an effort to obtain peace within the area?

TRUMP:  I’d should see.

However earlier than we do this, the issue we’ve got is that we spend all the cash. So that they kill us on commerce. I made nice commerce offers with the European nations, as a result of if you happen to add them up, they’re about the identical dimension economically. Their economic system is about the identical dimension as america. And so they have been – no automobiles. No – they don’t need something that we’ve got. However we’re alleged to take their automobiles, their meals, their all the pieces, their agriculture. I modified that.

However the large factor I modified is that they don’t need to pay. And the one cause that he can play video games with NATO is as a result of I received them to place up tons of of billions of {dollars}. I stated – and he’s proper about this, I stated, no, I’m not going to assist NATO if you happen to don’t pay. They requested me that query: Would you guard us towards Russia? – at a really secret assembly of the 28 states at the moment, nations at the moment. And so they (sic) stated, no, if you happen to don’t pay, I received’t do this. And you understand what occurred? Billions and billions of {dollars} got here flowing within the subsequent day and the following months.

However now, we’re in the identical place. We’re paying everyone’s payments.

BASH:  Thanks.

TAPPER:  Let’s flip to the problem of democracy. Former President Trump, I need to ask you about January 6, 2021.

After you rallied your supporters that day, a few of them stormed the Capitol to cease the constitutionally mandated counting of electoral votes. As president, you swore an oath to, quote, “protect, defend and defend,” unquote, the Structure. What do you say to voters who consider that you simply violated that oath via your actions and inaction on January sixth and fear that you simply’ll do it once more?

TRUMP:  Properly, I don’t suppose too many consider that.

And let me inform you about January sixth, on January sixth, we had an important border, no person coming via, only a few. On January sixth, we have been vitality unbiased. On January sixth, we had the bottom taxes ever, we had the bottom rules ever. On January sixth, we have been revered everywhere in the world.

Everywhere in the world we have been revered, after which he is available in, and we’re now laughed at, we’re like a bunch of silly folks. What occurred to america’ fame underneath this man’s management is horrible, together with weaponization, which I’m certain sooner or later you’ll be speaking about, the place he goes after his political opponent as a result of he can’t beat him honest and sq..

TAPPER:  You could have 80 seconds left. My query was: What do you say to these voters who consider that you simply violated your constitutional oath via your actions, inaction on January sixth, 2021, and fear that you simply’ll do it once more?

TRUMP:  Properly, I didn’t say that to anyone. I stated peacefully and patriotically.

And Nancy Pelosi, if you happen to simply watch the information from two days in the past, on tape to her daughter, who’s a documentary filmmaker, as they are saying, what she’s saying, oh, no, it’s my accountability, I used to be liable for this. As a result of I provided her 10,000 troopers or Nationwide Guard, and he or she turned them down. And the mayor of – in writing, by the way in which, the mayor. In writing turned it down, the mayor of D.C. They turned it down.

I provided 10,000 as a result of I may see – I had nearly nothing to do. They requested me to go make a speech. I may see what was occurring. All people was saying they’re going to be there on January sixth. They’re going to be there. And I stated, you understand what? There’s lots of people coming, you would really feel it. You would really feel it too. And you would really feel it. And I stated, they must have some Nationwide Guard or no matter. And I provided it to her. And he or she now admits that she turned it down. And it was the identical day. She was – I don’t know, you’ll be able to’t be very glad along with her daughter as a result of it made her right into a liar. She stated, I take full accountability for January sixth.

TAPPER:  President Biden?

BIDEN:  Look, he inspired these people to go up on Capitol Hill, primary.

I sat in that eating room off the Oval Workplace – he sat there for 3 hours, three hours, watching, begging – being begged by his vp and quite a few his colleagues and Republicans as effectively to do one thing, to name for a cease, to finish it. As an alternative, he talked – they’ve talked about these folks being patriots and – and nice patrons of America. In actual fact, he says he’ll now forgive them for what they’ve achieved. They’ve been convicted. He says he desires to commute their sentences and say that – no.

He went to each single court docket within the nation, I don’t know what number of instances, scores of instances, together with the Supreme Court docket, they usually stated they stated – they stated, no, no, this man, this man is liable for doing what’s being – was achieved.

He didn’t do a rattling factor. And these folks must be in jail. And they need to be those who’re being held accountable. And he desires to let all of them out.

And now he says if he loses once more, such a whiner that he’s, that there may very well be a massacre.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden.

President Trump?

TRUMP:  What they’ve achieved to some folks which might be so harmless, you must be ashamed of your self, what you’ve gotten achieved, the way you’ve destroyed the lives of so many individuals.

After they ripped down Portland, once they ripped down many different cities – you go to Minnesota, Minneapolis, what they’ve achieved there with the fires everywhere in the metropolis. If I didn’t convey within the Nationwide Guard, that metropolis would have been destroyed.

If you take a look at the entire – they took over large chunks of Seattle. I used to be all set to herald the Nationwide Guard. They heard that, they noticed them coming they usually left instantly.

What he stated about this complete topic is so off. Peacefully patriotic.

One different factor, the unselect committee, which is principally two horrible Republicans which might be all gone now, out of workplace, and Democrats, all Democrats, they destroyed and deleted the entire info they discovered, as a result of they discovered we have been proper. We have been proper. And so they deleted and destroyed the entire info.

They need to go to jail for that. If a Republican did that, they’d go to jail.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

President Biden, I need to provide you with a minute.

BIDEN:  The one particular person on this stage that may be a convicted felon is the person I’m proper now. And the very fact of the matter is he’s – what he’s telling you is just not true.

The actual fact is that there was no effort on his half to cease what was happening up on Capitol Hill. And all these folks, each a kind of who have been convicted, deserves to be convicted. The concept they didn’t kill someone, simply went in and broke down doorways, broke the home windows, occupied places of work, turned over desks, turned them over, statues – the concept these individuals are patriots? Come on.

Once I requested him, the primary of two debates we had – debates we had the primary time round, I stated, will you denounce the Proud Boys? He stated, no, I’ll inform them to face by. The concept he’s refusing – will you denounce these guys? Will you denounce the folks we’re speaking about now? Will you denounce the individuals who attacked that Capitol? What are you going to do?

TAPPER:  I’m going to provide you a – a minute, President Trump, for a follow-up query I’ve.

After a jury convicted you of 34 felonies final month, you stated if re-elected you’ll, quote, “have each proper to go after,” unquote, your political opponents. You simply talked about members of the Choose Committee on January sixth going to jail.

Your foremost political opponent is standing on stage with you tonight. Are you able to make clear precisely what it means about you feeling you’ve gotten each proper to go after your political opponents?

TRUMP:  Properly, I stated my retribution goes to be success. We’re going to make this nation profitable once more, as a result of proper now it’s a failing nation. My retribution’s going to be success.

However when he talks a couple of convicted felon, his son is a convicted felon at a really excessive stage. His son is convicted. Going to be convicted in all probability quite a few different occasions. He ought to have been convicted earlier than, however his Justice Division let the statute of limitations lapse on crucial issues.

However he may very well be a convicted felon as quickly as he will get out of workplace. Joe may very well be a convicted felon with the entire issues that he’s achieved. He’s achieved horrible issues. The entire loss of life brought on on the border, telling the Ukrainian folks that we’re going to need a billion {dollars} otherwise you change the prosecutor, in any other case, you’re not getting a billion {dollars}.

If I ever stated that, that’s quid professional quo. That – we’re not going to do something, we’re not going to provide you a billion {dollars} except you alter your prosecutor having to do together with his son.

This man is a prison. This man – you’re fortunate. You’re fortunate.

I did nothing improper. We’d have a system that was rigged and disgusting. I did nothing improper.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

President Biden, you’ve gotten stated – I’m coming proper to you, sir. You – effectively, you need to reply? Go forward. I’ll provide you with a minute to reply.

BIDEN:  The concept I did something improper relative to what you’re speaking about is outrageous. It’s merely a lie, primary.

Quantity two, the concept you’ve gotten a proper to hunt retribution towards any American simply since you’re a president is improper, is just improper. No president’s ever spoken like that earlier than. No president in our historical past has spoken like that earlier than.

Quantity three, the crimes that you’re nonetheless charged with – and consider all of the civil penalties you’ve gotten. What number of billions of {dollars} do you owe in civil penalties for molesting a lady in public, for doing an entire vary of issues, of getting intercourse with a porn star on the evening – and – whereas your spouse was pregnant?

I imply, what are you speaking about? You could have the morals of an alley cat.

TAPPER:  Provide you with a minute, sir.

TRUMP:  I didn’t have intercourse with a porn star, primary.

Quantity two, that was a case that was began and moved – they moved a high-ranking official, a DOJ, into the Manhattan D.A.’s workplace to begin that case. That case goes to be appealed in a single.

We had a really horrible decide, a horrible decide, Democrat. The prosecutor have been all high-ranking Democrats, appointed folks. And the – each the civil and the prison.

He principally went after his political opponent as a result of he thought it was going to break me. However when the general public discovered about these instances – as a result of they perceive it higher than he does, he has no concept what these instances are. However when he – they – once they discovered about these instances, you understand what they did? My ballot numbers went up means up. You realize that since you’re reporting it. And we took in extra money within the final two weeks than we’ve ever taken in within the historical past of any marketing campaign, I don’t suppose any marketing campaign has ever taken.

A whole bunch of thousands and thousands of {dollars} got here pouring in as a result of the general public is aware of it’s a rip-off and it’s a man that’s after his political opponent as a result of he can’t win honest and sq..

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

President Biden, you’ve gotten stated, quote, “Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are decided to destroy American democracy.”

Do you consider that the tens of thousands and thousands of Individuals who’re more likely to vote for President Trump will probably be voting towards American democracy?

BIDEN:  The extra they learn about what he’s achieved, sure. The extra they learn about what he’s achieved.

And there’s much more coming. He’s received loads of instances across the street coming round. He’s received – he’s received an entire vary of points he has to face. I don’t know what the juries will do, however I do know – I do know he has an actual downside.

And so the truth that – may you ever suppose you’re listening to any president say that, I’m going to hunt retribution? Do you ever hear any president say that he thought it is perhaps a good suggestion?

What received me concerned to run within the first place after my son had died, I made a decision – in Iraq – due to Iraq, I stated, I wasn’t going to run once more. Till I noticed what occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, folks popping out of the woods carrying swastikas on torches – torches and singing the identical antisemitic bile they sang when – again in Germany.

And what did – and the younger girl received killed. I spoke to the mom. And he or she – they requested him, they stated, what – effectively, what do you consider these folks, the individuals who – the one who – those who tried to cease it and those who stated, I feel there’s high quality folks on either side?

What American president would ever say Nazis popping out of fields, carrying torches, singing the identical antisemitic bile, carrying swastikas, have been high quality folks?

It is a man who says Hitler’s achieved some good issues. I’d wish to know what they’re, the nice issues Hitler’s achieved. That’s what he stated.

This man has no sense of American democracy.

TAPPER:  President Trump?

TRUMP:  Jake, each of you understand that story’s been completely worn out. As a result of while you see the sentence, it stated 100% exoneration on there. So he simply retains it going.

He says he ran due to Charlottesville. He didn’t run due to Charlottesville. He ran as a result of it was his final likelihood at – he’s not geared up to be president. You realize it and I do know it.

It’s ridiculous. We now have a debate. We’re making an attempt to justify his presidency.

His presidency, his – with out query, the worst president, the worst presidency within the historical past of our nation. We shouldn’t be having a debate about it. There’s nothing to debate.

He made up the Charlottesville story and also you’ll see it’s debunked in all places. Each anchor has – each affordable anchor has debunked it.

And simply the opposite day it got here out the place it was totally debunked. It’s a nonsense story. He is aware of that.

And he didn’t run due to Charlottesville. He used that as an excuse to run.

TAPPER:  President Biden?

BIDEN:  And debunk. It occurred. All it’s a must to do is take heed to what was stated on the time.

And the concept in some way that’s the one cause I ran. I ran as a result of I used to be nervous a man like this man can get elected.

If he thought they have been good folks popping out of that every one – that forest, carrying these – these woods, carrying these torches, then he didn’t should be president, didn’t should be president in any respect.

And the concept he’s speaking about all of this being fabricated, we noticed it with our personal eyes. We noticed what occurred on January 6. We noticed the folks breaking via the home windows. We noticed folks occupying there.

His personal vp – look, there’s a cause why 40 of his 44 high cupboard officers refused to endorse him this time. His vp hasn’t endorsed him this time.

So, why? Why? They know him effectively. They serve with them. Why are they not endorsing him?

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden.

We’re going to be proper again with extra from the CNN presidential debate.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BASH:  Welcome again to the CNN Presidential Debate stay from Georgia.

Let’s discuss persistent challenges you each confronted in your first phrases, and also you’d definitely face once more in a second time period. President Biden, whereas black unemployment dropped to a report low underneath your presidency, black households nonetheless earn far lower than white households.

Black moms are nonetheless thrice extra more likely to die from being pregnant associated causes. And black Individuals are imprisoned at 5 occasions the speed of white Individuals. What do you say to black voters who’re disenchanted that you simply haven’t made extra progress?

BIDEN:  They acknowledge he made loads of progress, primary. The information of the matter is extra small black companies which have been began in any time in historical past. Quantity two, the wages of black – black unemployment is the bottom stage it has been in an extended, very long time. Quantity three, we discover them – they’re making an attempt to offer housing for black Individuals and coping with segregation that exists amongst these company – these company operations that collude to maintain folks out of their homes.

And along with that, we discover that the influence of, on the – the selection that black households should make relative to childcare is extremely tough. Once we did the primary main piece of laws previously, I used to be capable of cut back black childcare prices. I reduce them in half, in half. We’ve received to verify we offer for childcare prices. We’ve received to verify – as a result of while you present that childcare protections, you improve financial development as a result of extra folks will be within the – within the job market.

So there’s extra to be achieved, significantly extra to be achieved, however we’ve achieved an important deal to this point and I’m not letting up they usually understand it.

BASH:  You could have 49 seconds left. What do you say to black voters who’re disenchanted with the progress to this point?

BIDEN:  I say, I don’t blame them for being disenchanted. Inflation continues to be hurting them badly. For instance, I offered for the concept any black household, first time house purchaser ought to get a $10,000 tax credit score to have the ability to purchase their first house to allow them to get began.

I made certain that we’re in a state of affairs the place all these black households and people black people who offered needed to take out pupil loans that have been ballooning, that in the event that they have been engaged in nursing and something having to do with volunteerism, in the event that they paid their payments for 10 years on their pupil debt, all the remainder was forgiven after 10 years. Hundreds of thousands have benefited from that and we’re going to do an entire lot extra for black households.

BASH:  Thanks. President Trump?

TRUMP:  And he brought on the inflation. He’s blaming inflation. And he’s proper, it’s been very unhealthy. He brought on the inflation and it’s killing black households and Hispanic households and nearly everyone. It’s killing folks. They will’t purchase groceries anymore. They will’t.

You take a look at the price of meals the place it’s doubled and tripled and quadrupled. They will’t stay. They’re not residing anymore. He brought on this inflation.

I gave him a rustic with no, primarily no inflation. It was excellent. It was so good. All he needed to do is depart it alone. He destroyed it together with his inexperienced new rip-off and the entire different – all this cash that’s being thrown out the window.

He brought on inflation. As certain as you’re sitting there, the very fact is that his large kill on the black folks is the thousands and thousands of folks that he’s allowed to come back in via the border. They’re taking black jobs now and it may very well be 18. It may very well be 19 and even 20 million folks. They’re taking black jobs they usually’re taking Hispanic jobs and also you haven’t seen it but, however you’re going to see one thing that’s going to be the worst in our historical past.

BASH:  Thanks. President Biden?

BIDEN:  There was no inflation after I turned president. You realize why? The economic system was flat on its again. 15 p.c unemployment, he decimated the economic system, completely decimated the economic system. That’s why there was no inflation on the time.

There have been no jobs. We offered hundreds of thousands and thousands of jobs for people who have been concerned in communities, together with minority communities. We made certain that they’ve medical health insurance. We now have coated with – the ACA has elevated. I made certain that they’re $8,000 per particular person within the household to get written off in well being care, however this man desires to eradicate that. They tried 50 occasions. He desires to do away with the ACA once more, they usually’re going to attempt once more in the event that they win.

You discover ourselves able the place the concept we’re not doing it. I put extra – we put extra police on the road than any administration has. He desires to chop the cops. We’re offering for fairness, fairness, and ensuring folks have a shot to make it. There’s a lot happening. However, on inflation, he brought on it by his super malfeasance in the way in which he dealt with the pandemic.

BASH:  Thanks. One other persistent problem is the local weather disaster. 2023 was the most well liked yr in recorded historical past, and communities throughout the nation are confronting the devastating results of utmost warmth, intensifying wildfires, stronger hurricanes, and rising sea ranges.

Former President Trump, you’ve vowed to finish your opponent’s local weather initiatives. However, will you are taking any motion as President to gradual the local weather disaster?

TRUMP:  Properly, let me simply return to what he stated in regards to the police, how shut the police are to him. Virtually each police group within the nation from each state is supporting Donald J. Trump, virtually each police group. And what he has achieved to the black inhabitants is horrible, together with the truth that for 10 years he known as them tremendous predators. We are able to’t, within the Nineteen Nineties (ph), we will’t neglect that. Tremendous predators was his title. And he known as it to them for 10, they usually’ve taken nice offense at it, and now they see it occurring.

However, once they see what I did for prison justice reform and for the traditionally black schools and universities, the place I funded them and received all of them funded, and the chance zones with Tim. As you understand, Tim Scott was – unbelievable, he did an important job, an important Senator from South Carolina. He got here to me with the concept and it was an important concept. It’s one of the vital profitable financial growth acts ever within the nation, alternative zones. And the most important beneficiary are blacks. And that’s why we’ve got the most effective numbers with them in possibly ever, they’re saying ever, I learn this morning, wherever, the most effective numbers, he has misplaced a lot of the black inhabitants as a result of he has achieved a horrible job for black folks. He has additionally achieved a horrible job for Hispanics.

However, why do you see these thousands and thousands of individuals pouring into our nation they usually’re going to take the roles? And it’s already began. And also you haven’t seen something but. It’s a catastrophe.

BASH:  38 seconds left, President Trump. Will you are taking any motion as President to gradual the local weather disaster?

TRUMP:  So, I need completely immaculate clear water and I need completely clear air, and we had it. We had H2O. We had the most effective numbers ever. And we did – we have been utilizing all types of vitality, all types, all the pieces. And but, throughout my 4 years, I had the most effective environmental numbers ever. And my high environmental folks gave me that statistic simply earlier than I walked on the stage, truly.

BIDEN:  I don’t know the place the hell he has been. The concept, Dana, he stated is true. I’ve handed probably the most in depth, it was probably the most in depth local weather change laws in historical past, in historical past. We discover ourselves – and by the way in which, black schools, I got here up with $50 billion for HBCUs, historic black universities and schools, as a result of they don’t have the type of contributors that they should construct these laboratories and the like. Any black pupil is succesful in school in doing what any white pupil can do. They simply have the cash. However now, they’ll have the ability to get these jobs in excessive tech.

We’re in a state of affairs the place the concept he type of is claiming to have achieved one thing that had the cleanest water, the cleanest water? He had not achieved a rattling factor with the atmosphere. He – out of the Paris Peace Accord – Local weather Accord, I instantly joined it, as a result of if we attain for 1.5 levels Celsius at anyone level, effectively, there isn’t a means again. The one existential risk to humanity is local weather change. And he didn’t do a rattling factor about it. He desires to undo all that I’ve achieved.

TRUMP:  The Paris Accord was going to price us a trillion {dollars}, and China nothing, and Russia nothing, and India nothing. It was a ripoff of america. And I ended it as a result of I didn’t need to waste that cash as a result of they deal with us horribly. We have been the one ones – it was costing us cash. No person else was paying into it. And it was a catastrophe.

However, all the pieces that he stated simply now, I’ll provide you with an instance. I heard him say earlier than insulin, I’m the one which received the insulin down for the seniors. I took care of the seniors. What he’s doing is destroying all of our medical packages as a result of the migrants coming in. They need everyone. And look, I’ve the most important coronary heart on the stage. I assure you that. And I need to care for folks. However, we’re destroying our nation. They’re taking up our colleges, our hospitals, they usually’re going to be taking up Social Safety. He’s destroying Social Safety, Medicare and Medicaid.

BIDEN:  The place does that come from? The concept is that we, in truth – we have been the one ones of consequence or not who are usually not members of the Paris Accord. How can we do something when (ph) we’re not capable of – america can’t get it’s air pollution underneath management? One of many largest polluters on the earth, primary. We’re making important progress. By 2035, we may have reduce air pollution in half. We now have – we’ve got made important progress. And we’re persevering with to make progress.

We arrange a Local weather Corps for hundreds of younger folks will discover ways to take care of local weather, identical to the Peace Corps. And we’re going to – we’re transferring in instructions which might be going to considerably change the weather of the reason for air pollution.

However the concept he claims that he has the most important coronary heart up right here and he’s actually involved about – about air pollution and about local weather, I’ve not seen any indication of that.

And, by the way in which, with regard to pharmaceuticals, one firm agreed that they would cut back the value to $35, which I used to be calling for – one, voluntarily. I made certain each firm on the earth, each pharmaceutical firm, can not should pay.

BASH:  Thanks.

BIDEN:  And, by the way in which…

TAPPER:  So day by day thousands and thousands of Individuals battle simply to make ends meet. For a lot of older Individuals, Social Safety offers a crucial lifeline.

President Biden, if nothing is completed to Social Safety, seniors will see their advantages reduce in simply over 10 years. Will you title tonight one particular step that you simply’re prepared to take to maintain Social Safety solvent?

BIDEN:  Sure, make the very rich start to pay their fair proportion. Proper now, everyone making underneath $170,000 pays 6 p.c of their earnings, of their paycheck, each single time they get a paycheck, from the time of the primary one they get once they’re 18 years previous.

The concept they’re going to – I’m not – I’ve been proposing that everyone, they pay – millionaires pay 1 p.c – 1 p.c. So nobody after – I’d not increase the price of Social Safety for anyone underneath $400,000. After that, I start to make the rich start to pay their fair proportion, by growing from 1 p.c past, to have the ability to assure this system for all times.

TAPPER:  So you continue to have 82 seconds left. Are there some other measures that you simply suppose that might have the ability to assist preserve Social Safety solvent, or is simply – is that one sufficient?

BIDEN:  Properly, that one sufficient will preserve it solvent. However the largest factor I’ll do, if we defeat this man, as a result of he desires to do away with Social Safety; he thinks that there’s lots to chop in Social Safety. He’s wanting to chop Social Safety and Medicare, each occasions. And that’s with – and if you happen to take a look at this system put ahead by the Home Republican Caucus that he, I consider, helps, is in truth wanting to chop it as effectively.

The concept we don’t want to guard our seniors is ridiculous. We put – and, by the way in which, the American public has larger well being care protection immediately than ever earlier than. And underneath the ACA, as I stated, you’re in a circumstance the place 400,000 folks – I imply, 40 million folks – wouldn’t have insurance coverage as a result of they’ve a pre-existing situation. The one factor that permits them to have that insurance coverage is the truth that they in truth are a part of the ACA.

And, by the way in which, the opposite factor is we’re in a state of affairs the place I discuss training for black communities. I’ve raised the quantity, the amount of cash for Pell grants by different $8,000 for anyone making underneath $70,000 a yr, are going to have the ability to get $15,000 in direction of their tuition.

It’s simply – he – he simply doesn’t know what he’s speaking about.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden.

President Trump?

TRUMP:  So I’ve handled politicians all my life. I’ve been on this facet of the equation for the final eight years. I’ve by no means seen anyone lie like this man. He lies – I’ve by no means seen it. He may look you within the face. So – and about so many different issues, too.

And we talked about the laptop computer, We talked about “Russia, Russia, Russia,” “Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine.” And all the pieces he does is a lie. It’s misinformation and disinformation. The “losers and suckers” story that he made up is a complete lie on the navy. It’s a shame.

However Social Safety, he’s destroying it. As a result of thousands and thousands of individuals are pouring into our nation, they usually’re placing them on to Social Safety; they’re placing them on to Medicare, Medicaid. They’re placing them in our hospitals. They’re taking the place of our residents.

They’re – what they’re doing to the V.A., to our veterans, is unbelievable. Our veterans live on the street and these individuals are residing in luxurious motels. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. And it – it’s actually coming again. I’ve by no means seen such anger in our nation earlier than.

TAPPER:  President Biden?

BIDEN:  The concept veterans are usually not being taken care of, I advised you earlier than – and, by the way in which, after I stated “suckers and losers,” he stated – he acknowledged after it that he fired that basic. That basic received fired as a result of he’s the one which acknowledged that that’s what he stated. He was the one standing with Trump when he stated it, primary.

Quantity two, the concept we’re going to be in a state of affairs the place all these thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands, the way in which he talks about it, unlawful aliens are coming into the nation and taking away our jobs, there’s a cause why we’ve got the fastest-growing economic system on the earth, a cause why we’ve got probably the most profitable economic system on the earth. We’re doing higher than some other nation on the earth.

And, by the way in which, these 15 Nobel laureates he talked about being phony, these 15 Nobel laureates, economists, all of them stated that, if Trump is re-elected, we’re more likely to have a recession, and inflation goes to more and more go up.

And by the way in which, worst president in historical past – 159 presidential students voted him the worst president within the historical past of america of America.

TAPPER:  President Biden, thanks a lot. Let’s flip to the price of childcare, which many American households battle to afford.

President Trump, each you and President Biden have tried to deal with this difficulty, however the common price of childcare on this nation has risen to greater than $11,000 a yr per little one. For a lot of households, the price of childcare for 2 kids is greater than their hire. In your second time period, what would you do to make childcare extra inexpensive?

TRUMP:  Simply to return. The final received fired as a result of he was no good. And if he stated that, that’s why he made it up. However we’ve got 19 folks that stated I didn’t say it, they usually’re very extremely revered, way more so than him.

The opposite factor is, he doesn’t hearth folks. He by no means fired folks. I’ve by no means seen him hearth anyone. I did hearth lots. I fired Comey as a result of he was no good. I fired loads of the highest folks on the FBI, drained the swamp. They have been no good. Not simple to fireplace folks. You’d pay a worth for it, however they have been no good. I inherited these folks. I didn’t put him there. I didn’t put Comey there. He was no good. I fired him.

This man hasn’t fired anyone. He by no means fires. He ought to have fired each navy man that was concerned with that Afghan – the Afghanistan horror present. Essentially the most embarrassing second within the historical past of our nation. He didn’t hearth?

Did you hearth anyone? Did you hearth anyone that’s on the border, that’s allowed us to have the worst border within the historical past of the world? Did anyone get fired for permitting 18 million folks, many from prisons, many from psychological establishments? Did you hearth anyone that allowed our nation to be destroyed? Joe, our nation is being destroyed as you and I sit up right here and waste loads of time on this debate. This shouldn’t be a debate.

He’s the worst president. He simply stated it about me as a result of I stated it. However look, he’s the worst president within the historical past of our nation. He’s destroyed our nation. Now, hastily, he’s making an attempt to get a bit of powerful on the border. He come out – got here out with a nothing deal, and it diminished it a bit of bit. A bit of bit, like this a lot. It’s insignificant.

He desires open borders. He desires our nation to both be destroyed or he desires to select up these folks as voters. And I don’t suppose – we simply can’t let it occur. If he wins this election, our nation doesn’t have an opportunity. Not even an opportunity of popping out of this rut. We in all probability received’t have a rustic left anymore. That’s how unhealthy it’s. He’s the worst in historical past by far.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump. President Biden?

BIDEN:  We’re probably the most admired nation on the earth. We’re america of America. There’s nothing past our capability. We now have the best navy within the historical past of the world. The best within the historical past of the world. Nobody thinks we’re weak. Nobody desires to screw round with us. No person. Primary.

Quantity two, the concept we’re speaking about worst presidents. I wasn’t joking. Look it up. Go surfing. 159 or 58, don’t maintain me to the precise quantity, presidential historians. They’ve had conferences they usually voted who’s the worst president in American historical past. One via greatest to worst. They stated he was the worst in all of American historical past. That’s a reality. That’s not conjecture. He can argue they’re improper, however that’s what they voted.

The concept he’s understanding (ph) – doing something to take care of little one care. He did very – nearly nothing to little one care. We should always considerably improve the kid care tax credit score. We should always considerably improve the supply of men and women for little one or single dad and mom to have the ability to return to work, and we should always encourage companies to carry – to have little one care services.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden. President Trump, the query was about what would you do to make little one care extra inexpensive? If you wish to take your minute.

TRUMP:  Simply you perceive, we’ve got polling. We now have different issues that do – they charge him the worst as a result of what he’s achieved is so unhealthy. And so they charge me – sure, I’ll present you. I’ll present you. And so they charge me top-of-the-line. OK.

And if I’m given one other 4 years, I would be the greatest. I feel I’ll be the most effective. No person’s ever created an economic system like us. No person ever reduce taxes like us. He’s the one one I do know. He desires to lift your taxes by 4 occasions. He desires to lift everyone’s taxes by 4 occasions. He desires the Trump tax cuts to run out so everyone, together with the 2 of you will pay 4 to 5 occasions. No person ever heard of this earlier than.

All my life I’d develop up and I’d see politicians speaking about slicing taxes. Once we reduce taxes, as I stated, we did extra enterprise. Apple and all these corporations, they have been bringing a refund into our nation. The worst president in historical past by far, and everyone is aware of it.

TAPPER:  President Biden?

BIDEN:  Look, the very fact of the matter is that he’s lifeless improper about it. He’s elevated the tariff – he’s elevated – he’ll improve the taxes on center class folks. I stated I’d by no means increase a tax on anyone making lower than $400,000. I didn’t.

However this tariff, this 10 p.c tariffs. Every little thing coming into the nation, you understand what the economists say? That’s going to price the common American $2,500 a yr and extra, as a result of they’re going to should pay the distinction in meals and all of the issues which might be essential.

Quantity two, he’s in a state of affairs the place he talks about how he has not raised – he in some way helped the center class. The center class has been devastated by you. Now you need a new tax reduce of $5 trillion over the following ten years, which goes to basically bankrupt the nation. You had the most important deficit of any president in American historical past, primary.

Quantity two, you haven’t, in truth, made any contact, any progress with China. We’re the bottom commerce deficit with China since 2010.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden. Thanks, President Biden.

Let’s focus on an epidemic impacting thousands and thousands of Individuals that each of you’ve gotten made a high precedence in your first time period, the opioid disaster. And for each of you, the variety of overdose deaths on this nation has gone up. Beneath your time period, it went up. Beneath your time period, it has gone up.

Former President Trump, regardless of the efforts that each of you’ve gotten made, greater than 100,000 Individuals are dying from overdoses yearly, primarily from fentanyl and different opioids. What’s going to you do to assist Individuals proper now within the throes of habit, who’re struggling to get the therapy they want?

TRUMP:  To complete up, we now have the most important deficit within the historical past of our nation underneath this man, we’ve got the most important deficit with China. He will get paid by China. He’s a Manchurian candidate. He will get cash from China. So I feel he’s afraid to take care of him or one thing.

However do you discover? He by no means took out my tariffs as a result of we herald a lot cash with the tariffs that I imposed on China. He by no means took them away. He can’t as a result of it’s an excessive amount of cash. It’s super. And we saved our metal industries. And there was extra to come back, however he hasn’t achieved that.

However he hasn’t reduce the tariffs as a result of he can’t, as a result of it’s an excessive amount of cash. However he’s received the most important deficit within the historical past of our nation and he’s received the worst state of affairs with China. China goes to personal us if you happen to preserve permitting them to do what they’re doing to us as a rustic. They’re killing us as a rustic, Joe, and you may’t let that occur. You’re destroying our nation.

TAPPER:  So, President Trump, you’ve gotten 67 seconds left. The query was, what are you going to do to assist Individuals within the throes of habit proper now who’re struggling to get the therapy they want?

TRUMP:  Jake, we’re doing very effectively at habit till the COVID got here alongside. We had the two-and-a-half, virtually three years of like no person’s ever had earlier than, any nation in each means. After which we needed to get powerful. And it was – the medicine pouring throughout the border, we’re – it began to extend.

We received nice tools. We purchased the sure canine. That’s probably the most unbelievable factor that you simply’ve ever seen, the way in which they will spot it. We did lots. And we had – we have been getting very low numbers. Very, very low numbers.

Then he got here alongside. The numbers – have you ever seen the numbers now? It’s not solely the 18 million folks that I consider is even low, as a result of the gotaways, they don’t even discuss gotaways. However the numbers of – the quantity of medication and human trafficking in girls coming throughout our border, the worst factor I’ve ever seen at numbers – no person’s ever seen underneath him as a result of the border is so unhealthy. However the variety of medicine coming throughout our border now’s the most important we’ve ever had by far.

TAPPER:  President Trump, thanks. President Biden?

BIDEN:  Fentanyl and the byproducts of fentanyl went down for some time. And I wished to verify we use the equipment that may detect fentanyl, these large machines that roll over all the pieces that comes throughout the border, and it prices some huge cash. That was a part of this deal we put collectively, this bipartisan deal.

Extra fentanyl machines, have been capable of detect medicine, extra numbers of brokers, extra numbers of all of the folks on the border. And after we had that deal achieved, he went – he known as his Republican colleagues stated don’t do it. It’s going to harm me politically.

He by no means argued it’s not a very good invoice. It’s a extremely good invoice. We want these machines. We want these machines. And we’re coming down very onerous in each nation in Asia when it comes to precursors for fentanyl. And Mexico is working with us to verify they don’t have the expertise to have the ability to put it collectively. That’s what we’ve got to do. We want these machines.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden. President Trump, and once more, the query is about Individuals within the throes of habit proper now struggling to get the therapy they want.

TRUMP:  As a result of this does pertain to it. He ended stay in Mexico, he ended catch and launch. I made it catch and launch in Mexico, not catch and launch right here. We had so many issues that we had achieved, onerous negotiations with Mexico, and I received all of it for nothing.

It’s identical to when you’ve gotten a hostage, we all the time pay $6 billion for a – each time we sees hostage. Now we’ve got a hostage. A Wall Road Journal reporter, I feel a very good man, and he’s over there as a result of Putin is laughing at this man, in all probability asking for billions of {dollars} for the reporter.

I’ll have him out in a short time, as quickly as I take workplace, earlier than I take workplace. I stated by actually as quickly as I win the election, I’ll have that reporter out. He ought to have had him out a very long time in the past. However Putin might be asking for billions and billions of {dollars} as a result of this man pays it each time.

We had two instances the place we paid $6 billion for 5 folks. I received 58 folks out and I paid primarily nothing.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Trump.

Dana.

BASH:  Let’s flip to issues that voters have about every of you.

President Biden, you’ll be 86 on the finish of your second time period. How do you tackle issues about your functionality to deal with the hardest job on the earth effectively into your 80s?

BIDEN:  Properly, initially, I spent half my profession being – being criticized being the youngest particular person in politics. I used to be the second-youngest particular person ever elected to america Senate. And now I’m the oldest. This man’s three years youthful and lots much less competent. I feel that simply take a look at the report. Look what I’ve achieved. Look how I’ve turned across the horrible state of affairs he left me.

As I stated, 50 million new jobs, 800,000 manufacturing jobs, extra funding in America, over thousands and thousands – billions of {dollars} in personal funding and – and enterprises that we’re rising. We’ve – by the way in which, we introduced an terrible lots of people – the entire concept of laptop chips. We used to have 40 p.c of the market. We invented these chips. And we misplaced it as a result of he was sending folks to low-cost – to search out the most affordable jobs abroad and to convey house a product.

So I went – I went to South Korea. I satisfied Samsung to take a position billions of {dollars} right here in america. After which guess what? These fabs, they name them, to – to construct these chips, these fabs pay over $100,000. You don’t want a school diploma for them. And there’s billions, about $40 billion already being invested and being constructed proper now in america, creating important jobs for Individuals throughout – from everywhere in the world.

BASH:  President Biden, you’ve gotten 40 seconds left. Would you want so as to add something?

BIDEN:  Yeah, I’d. The concept in some way we’re this failing nation, I by no means heard a president discuss like this earlier than. We – we’re the envy of the world. Identify me a single main nation president who wouldn’t commerce locations with america of America. For all our issues and all our alternatives, we’re probably the most progressive nation on the earth in getting issues achieved. We’re the strongest nation on the earth. We’re a rustic on the earth who retains our phrase and everyone trusts us, all of our allies.

And our – those that he cuddles as much as, from Kim Jong-un who he sends love letters to, or Putin, et cetera, they don’t need to screw round with us.

BASH:  Thanks.

Former President Trump, to observe up, you’ll be 82 on the finish of your second time period. What do you say to voters who’ve issues about your capabilities to serve?

TRUMP:  Properly, I took two checks, cognitive checks. I aced them, each of them, as you understand. We made it public. He took none. I’d wish to see him take one, only one, an actual simple one. Like undergo the primary 5 questions, he couldn’t do it. However I took two cognitive checks. I took bodily exams yearly. And, you understand, we knock on wooden, wherever we might have wooden, that I’m in excellent well being. I simply received two membership championships, not even senior, two common membership championships. To do this, it’s a must to be fairly sensible and you’ve got to have the ability to hit the ball a good distance. And I do it. He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards. He challenged me to a golf match. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.

I feel I’m an excellent form. I really feel that I’m in pretty much as good a form as I used to be 25, 30 years in the past. Really, I’m in all probability a bit of bit lighter. However I’m in pretty much as good a form as I used to be years in the past. I really feel excellent. I really feel the identical.

However I took – I used to be prepared to take a cognitive check. And you understand what, if I didn’t do effectively – I aced them. Dr. Ronny Jackson, who’s an important man, when he was White Home physician. After which I took one other one, the same one, and each – certainly one of them stated they’d by no means seen anyone ace them.

BASH:  Thanks.

President Biden?

BIDEN:  You’re going to see he’s six-foot-five and solely 225 kilos – or 235 kilos.

TRUMP:  (inaudible).

BIDEN:  Properly, you stated six-four, 200.

TRUMP:  (inaudible).

BIDEN:  Properly, anyway, that’s – anyway, simply check out what he says he’s and check out what he’s.

Look, I’d be glad to have a driving contest with him. I received my handicap, which, after I was vp, right down to a 6.

And by the way in which, I advised you earlier than I’m glad to play golf if you happen to carry your personal bag. Suppose you are able to do it?

TRUMP:  That’s the most important lie that he’s a 6 handicap, of all.

BIDEN:  I used to be 8 handicap.

TRUMP:  Yeah.

BIDEN:  Eight, however I’ve – you understand how many…

TRUMP:  I’ve seen your swing, I do know your swing.

(CROSSTALK)

BASH:  President Trump, we’re going to…

(CROSSTALK)

TRUMP:  Let’s not act like kids.

BIDEN:  You’re a little one.

BASH:  To you, a selected concern that voters have about you. Will you pledge tonight that when all authorized challenges have been exhausted that you’ll settle for the outcomes of this election no matter who wins and you’ll say proper now that political violence in any type is unacceptable?

TRUMP:  Properly, I shouldn’t should say that, however, in fact, I consider that. It’s completely unacceptable.

TRUMP:  And if you happen to would see my statements that I made on Twitter on the time, and in addition my assertion that I made within the Rose Backyard, you’ll say it’s one of many strongest statements you’ve ever seen.

Along with the speech I made, in entrance of, I consider, the most important crowd I’ve ever spoken to, and I’ll inform you, no person ever talks about that. They discuss a comparatively small variety of folks that went to the Capitol. And in lots of instances have been ushered in by the police.

And as Nancy Pelosi stated, it was her accountability, not mine. She stated that loud and clear.

However the reply is, if the election is honest free, and I need that greater than anyone.

And I’ll inform you one thing – I want he was an important president as a result of I wouldn’t be right here proper now. I’d be at certainly one of my many locations having fun with myself. I wouldn’t be underneath indictment as a result of I wouldn’t have been his political appoint – you understand, opponent. As a result of he indicted me as a result of I used to be his opponent.

I want he was an important president. I’d reasonably have that.

I wouldn’t be right here. I don’t thoughts being right here, however the one cause I’m right here is he’s so unhealthy as a president that I’m going to make America nice once more. We’re going to make America nice once more.

We’re a failing nation proper now. We’re a severely failing nation. And we’re a failing nation due to him.

His insurance policies are so unhealthy. His navy insurance policies are insane. They’re insane.

These are wars that may by no means finish with him. He’ll drive us into World Warfare Three and we’re nearer to World Warfare Three than anyone can think about. We’re very, very near World Warfare Three, and he’s driving us there.

And Kim Jong-Un, and President Xi of China – Kim Jong-Un of North Korea, all of those – Putin – they don’t respect him. They don’t worry him. They don’t have anything going with this gentleman and he’s going to drive us into World Warfare Three.

BIDEN:  If you would like a World Warfare Three, let him observe (ph) and win, and let Putin say, do what you need to NATO – simply do what you need.

There’s a factor known as Article 5, an assault on one is assault on all, a required response.

The concept – the concept – I can’t consider a single main chief on the earth who wouldn’t commerce locations with what job I’ve achieved and what they’ve achieved as a result of we’re a strong nation, we’ve got fantastic piece (ph), due to the folks, not me, due to the American folks. They’re able to something they usually step up once they’re wanted.

And proper now, we’re wanted. We’re wanted to guard the world as a result of our personal security is at stake.

And once more, you need to have battle, simply let Putin go forward and take Kyiv, ensure that they transfer on, see what occurs in Poland, Hungary, and different locations alongside that border. Then you’ve gotten a battle.

BASH:  President Trump, as I come again to you for a follow-up. The query was, will you settle for the outcomes of this election no matter who wins?

TRUMP:  Simply to complete what he stated, if I would, Russia – they took loads of land from Bush. They took loads of land from Obama and Biden. They took no land, nothing from Trump, nothing.

He knew to not do it. He’s not going to play video games with me. He knew that. I received together with him very effectively, however he knew to not play video games.

He took nothing from me, however now, he’s going to take the entire thing from this man proper right here.

That’s a battle that ought to have by no means began. It will’ve by no means began ever with me. And he’s going to take Ukraine and, you understand, you requested me a query earlier than, would you do that with – he’s received us in such a nasty place proper now with Ukraine and Russia as a result of Ukraine’s not successful that battle.

He stated, I’ll by no means settle till such time – they’re working out of individuals, they’re working out of troopers, they’ve misplaced so many individuals. It’s so unhappy.

They’ve misplaced so many individuals they usually’ve misplaced these beautiful cities with the golden domes which might be 1,000-years-old, all due to him and silly choices.

Russia would’ve by no means attacked if I have been president.

BASH:  President Trump, the query was, will you settle for the outcomes of the election no matter who wins? Sure or no, please?

TRUMP:  If it’s a good and authorized and good election – completely. I’d have a lot reasonably accepted these however the fraud and all the pieces else was ridiculous that if you would like, we’ll have a information convention on it in every week or we’ll have one other certainly one of these on – in every week.

However I’ll completely – there’s nothing I’d reasonably do. It will be a lot simpler for me to try this than I’m working once more. I wasn’t actually going to run till I noticed the horrible job he did. He’s destroying our nation.

I’d be very glad to be someplace else, in a pleasant location someplace. And once more, no indictments, no political opponent’s stuff, as a result of it’s the one means he thinks he can win.

However sadly, it’s pushed up by numbers and pushed it as much as a really excessive stage, as a result of the folks perceive it.

BIDEN:  Let’s see what your numbers are when this election is over.

TRUMP:  We’ll see.

BIDEN:  Let’s see. You’re a whiner. If you misplaced the primary time, you continued to attraction and attraction to courts all throughout the nation.

Not one single court docket in America stated any of your claims had any advantage, state or native, none.

However you proceed to advertise this lie about in some way there’s all this misrepresentation, all of the stealing. There’s no proof of that in any respect.

And I inform you what? I doubt whether or not you’ll settle for it since you’re such a whiner. The concept if you happen to lose once more, you’re accepting something, you’ll be able to’t stand the loss. One thing snapped in you while you misplaced the final time.

BASH:  We’ll be proper again with extra from the CNN presidential debate stay from Georgia.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TAPPER:  It’s now time for the candidates to ship their closing statements.

As predetermined by a coin toss, we’re going to start with you, President Biden. You could have two minutes.

BIDEN:  We’ve made important progress from the debacle that was left by President Trump in his – in his final time period.

We discover ourselves in a state of affairs the place, primary, we’ve got to guarantee that we’ve got a good tax system. I ask anybody on the market within the viewers, or anybody out watching this debate, do you suppose the tax system is honest?

The actual fact is that I stated, no person even making underneath $400,000 had a single penny growing their taxes and it’ll not. And if I’m reelected, that’ll be the case once more.

However this man is – has elevated your taxes due to the deficit. Primary, he’s elevated inflation due to the debacle he left after – when he dealt with the pandemic. And he finds himself able the place he now desires to tax you extra by placing a ten p.c tariff on all the pieces that comes into america America.

What I did, when, for instance, he desires to get away with – and do away with the flexibility of Medicare to – for the flexibility to – for the – us to have the ability to negotiate drug costs with large pharma corporations.

Properly, guess what? We received it – we received it down to fifteen – excuse me, $35 for insulin as a substitute of $400. Not more than $2,000 for each senior it doesn’t matter what they – how a lot prescription they want.

You realize what that did? That diminished the federal deficit (ph) – debt by $160 billion over 10 years as a result of the federal government doesn’t should pay the exorbitant costs.

I’m going to make that obtainable to each senior, all – or go longer. It’s occurring now, and everyone in America. He desires to do away with that.

We now have – I’m going to verify we’ve got childcare. We’re going to considerably improve the credit score folks have for childcare. I’m going to verify we do one thing about what we’re doing on lead pipes and all of the issues which might be inflicting well being issues for folks throughout the nation.

We’re going to proceed to combat to convey down inflation and provides folks a break.

TAPPER:  Thanks, President Biden.

President Trump, you now have two minutes on your closing assertion.

TRUMP:  Like so many politicians, this man is only a complainer. He stated we need to do that. We need to do this. We need to do away with this tax, that tax, however he doesn’t do something. He doesn’t do.

All he does is make our nation unsafe by permitting thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of individuals to pour in. Our navy doesn’t respect him. We appear like fools in Afghanistan.

We didn’t cease – Israel, it was such a horrible factor that might have by no means occurred. It ought to have by no means occurred.

Iran was broke. Anyone that did enterprise with Iran, together with China, they couldn’t do enterprise with america. All of them handed.

Iran was broke. They’d no cash for Hamas or Hezbollah, for terror, no cash in anyway.

Once more, Ukraine ought to have by no means occurred.

He talks about all these things, however he didn’t do it. For 3-and-a-half years, we’re residing in hell. We now have the Palestinians and we’ve got everyone else rioting in all places.

You discuss Charlottesville. That is 100 occasions Charlottesville, 1,000 occasions.

The entire nation is exploding due to you, as a result of they don’t respect you. And so they should respect their president they usually don’t respect you all through the world.

What we did was unbelievable. We re – rebuilt the navy. We received the most important tax reduce in historical past, the most important regulation reduce in historical past.

The rationale he’s received jobs is as a result of I reduce the rules that gave jobs, however he’s placing loads of these rules again on.

The entire issues that we’ve achieved, no person’s ever – by no means seen something like – even from a medical standpoint. Proper to Strive, the place we will attempt House Age supplies as a substitute of going to Asia or going to Europe and making an attempt to get while you’re terminally ailing.

Now, you’ll be able to go and you may get one thing. You signal a doc. They’ve been making an attempt to get it for 42 years.

However you understand what we did for the navy was unbelievable. Selection for our troopers, the place our troopers, as a substitute of ready for 3 months to see a physician, can exit and get themselves mounted up and readied up, and care for themselves they usually’re residing. And that’s why I had the very best approval ranking of the historical past of the V.A.

So, all of these items – we’re in a failing nation, but it surely’s not going to be failing anymore. We’re going to make it nice once more.

BASH:  Thanks, former President Trump, President Biden.

Stick with us as a result of we’ve got full evaluation of this debate. Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett begins now on CNN.

UPDATE: A earlier model of this story contained an preliminary, rush transcript of the talk.