US presidential debate 2024 live updates: Donald Trump v Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden has been heavily criticised for his poor performance and for freezing in the first debate against Donald Trump, who attacked him on numerous fronts and said he would accept the election result. Follow the updates.

US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump went head-to-head in a debate that could change the course of their extraordinary election rematch.

Mass panic has engulfed the Democratic Party after Biden’s shaky debate performance against Trump, with senior figures contemplating whether the US President can be dumped as their candidate before the extraordinary rematch he was already on track to lose.

The oldest president in history struggled with a hoarse voice and repeatedly stumbled over his answers during the 90-minute clash with the former president, prompting his allies to question whether he should continue seeking a second term at the age of 81.

Mr Biden’s struggles overshadowed his predecessor’s problems on the debate stage, including Mr Trump’s false assertions about his role in inciting the January 6 riot at the US Capitol and his refusal to fully commit to accepting the results of November’s election.

In the aftermath of the long-awaited head-to-head clash, Democrats described Mr Biden as incoherent and disoriented, with one telling host broadcaster CNN: “We are f***ed.”

But in a brief speech to supporters, the President said: “Let’s keep going. See you at the next one.”

A CNN snap poll found 67 per cent of voters thought Mr Trump won the contest.

Our coverage today is anchored by Tom Minear and Andrew Koubaridis with commentary from James Morrow and Annelise Nielsen. Victoria Cooper, who is with the US Studies Centre, will be providing her analysis. Katia Loisel is our body language expert. 

See how it unfolded in the stream below for a recap and follow our updates below.

Originally published as US presidential debate 2024 live updates: Donald Trump v Joe Biden

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