Trump Biden debate: Candidates' best (and worst) moments from first US presidential showdown

David Gardner30 September 2020

The first US presidential debate last night between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was a rancorous affair that has been panned by some commentators as the "worst ever".

Here are the highlights...and lowlights.

Donald Trump’s best moments

"I’m not elected for three years, I’m elected for four years"

The president left Joe Biden stumped with his argument that he was entitled to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, saying a Democrat president would do the same thing.

Donald Trump during the presidential debate
AP

"How ya doin,’ man?"

His greeting before the debate began was the only civil thing the president had to say to Mr Biden all night.

His worst moments

"Proud Boys: stand back and stand by."

With growing violence on American streets, Mr Trump was asked if he was willing to condemn white supremacists. "Sure," he said, and then named an extreme right wing group, the Proud Boys, telling them to "stand back and stand by". The phrase was immediately picked up by the group who made it part of its new logo. Civil rights groups are demanding an apology.

Joe Biden’s best moments

"I’m proud of my son."

Donald Trump had been baiting Joe Biden all night about his son Hunter’s business dealings and brought up his struggles with drugs after his rival paid tribute to another son, Beau, for his military service. Mr Biden had appeared flat at times, irritated by the interruptions, but he was fired up and took umbrage at the personal attack, saying: "My son, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem. He’s overtaken it. He’s fixed it. He’s worked on it, and I’m proud of him. I’m proud of my son."

Joe Biden said he was proud of his son, who has battled a drug problem
AP

"Oh, give me a break."

Joe Biden’s response when Donald Trump said he was the smarter one.

His worst moments

"Will you shut up, man?"

This was the moment 20 minutes into the debate when Joe Biden finally cracked. Right from the off, Donald Trump had been talking over him, trying to dominate the debate. No doubt, the former vice president, experienced politician that he is, had been rehearsing his answers and preparing himself to not be rattled by the combative former TV reality show star. But as Mr Trump bickered at him over healthcare, Mr Biden had finally had enough. "This is so unpresidential," he added, but his best bet was to stay out of the gutter.

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