What are the key issues expected to dominate the Biden-Trump debate?

The Biden-Trump debate is expected to be a highly charged event, focusing on several key issues that are central to current American political discourse. These issues include:

1. Economy and Inflation
Biden’s Position: President Joe Biden is likely to emphasize his administration’s efforts in economic recovery post-pandemic, job growth, and infrastructure investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He may highlight measures taken to combat inflation and stabilize the economy.
Trump’s Position: Former President Donald Trump is expected to criticize Biden’s handling of the economy, blaming his policies for high inflation and economic instability. Trump will likely tout his own economic record, emphasizing tax cuts and deregulation during his tenure.
2. Healthcare
Biden’s Position: Biden will probably discuss his administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access, reduce prescription drug prices, and protect the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He might also highlight the progress made in handling the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccination campaigns and public health measures.
Trump’s Position: Trump may attack the ACA, reiterating his calls for its repeal and replacement. He is likely to promote his administration’s efforts to lower drug prices and his focus on reducing healthcare costs through market-based solutions.
3. Immigration
Biden’s Position: Biden is expected to defend his administration’s immigration policies, including efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America, reform the asylum system, and provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly Dreamers.
Trump’s Position: Trump is likely to criticize Biden’s immigration policies, arguing that they have led to a surge in illegal immigration and border insecurity. He will probably emphasize his own strict immigration enforcement measures, including the border wall and travel bans.
4. Climate Change and Energy Policy
Biden’s Position: Biden will highlight his administration’s commitment to addressing climate change through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes significant investments in clean energy and emissions reductions. He might also discuss rejoining the Paris Agreement and other international climate efforts.
Trump’s Position: Trump is expected to argue against Biden’s climate policies, claiming they hurt the economy and lead to higher energy costs. He will likely advocate for energy independence through the expansion of fossil fuel production, emphasizing his administration’s deregulation efforts in the energy sector.
5. Foreign Policy
Biden’s Position: Biden will probably emphasize his administration’s efforts to restore alliances, particularly with NATO, and to address global challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rise of China. He might also discuss his approach to Iran and North Korea.
Trump’s Position: Trump is likely to criticize Biden’s foreign policy as weak, particularly focusing on the withdrawal from Afghanistan and perceived failures in dealing with China and Russia. He will emphasize his own “America First” approach, which included challenging NATO members to increase defense spending and negotiating directly with adversaries like North Korea.
6. Social and Cultural Issues
Biden’s Position: Biden will likely address issues such as gun control, voting rights, and police reform, emphasizing his administration’s efforts to promote equity and justice. He might also discuss his support for reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections.
Trump’s Position: Trump is expected to critique Biden on these fronts, positioning himself as a defender of Second Amendment rights, traditional values, and law and order. He will likely attack Biden’s stance on issues like transgender rights in sports and education.
7. COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health
Biden’s Position: Biden will discuss his administration’s response to the pandemic, focusing on vaccine distribution, public health measures, and efforts to support economic recovery. He may also highlight the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.
Trump’s Position: Trump will likely defend his initial handling of the pandemic and criticize Biden’s ongoing response, particularly any perceived overreach in public health mandates and restrictions.
8. Judicial Appointments and Supreme Court
Biden’s Position: Biden might discuss his judicial appointments and their impact on the federal judiciary, emphasizing diversity and a commitment to upholding constitutional rights.
Trump’s Position: Trump will tout his own Supreme Court appointments and their role in shaping key decisions, such as those related to abortion and religious freedom.
These issues reflect the significant policy and ideological differences between Biden and Trump, setting the stage for a contentious and potentially transformative debate.