US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump met in Atlanta on Thursday night for their first debate ahead of the November presidential election.

The debate was hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

The 90-minute debate included two commercial breaks, and campaign staff may not interact with their candidate during that time.

Microphones were muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. While no props or pre-written notes were allowed on the stage, candidates were given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.

Trump will get the final word, as was decided after a coin flip to determine podium placement and the order of closing statements.

The two began the debate without shaking hands beforehand. Biden’s voice sounded hoarse throughout the debate, and sources in his campaign told NBC News that he has a cold.

The first question dealt with the economy, and specifically the inflation that has gripped the US during Biden’s term.

Biden placed the blame on Trump, “We got to take a look at what I was left when I became president, what Mr. Trump left me. We had an economy that was in freefall. The pandemic was so badly handled, many people were dying. All he said was not that serious, just inject a little bleach into your arm, you’ll be all right. The economy collapsed, there were no jobs, unemployment rate rose to 15%, it was terrible. And so, what we had to do is try to put things back together again. That’s exactly what we began to do.”

Trump fired back and said, “We had the greatest economy in the history of our country. We have never done so well. Every, everybody was amazed by it. Other countries were copying us. We got hit with COVID, and when we did, we spent the money necessary so we wouldn’t end up in a Great Depression, the likes of which we had in 1929 by the time we finished. So we finished, so we did a great job. We got a lot of credit for the economy, a lot of credit for the military and no wars and so many other things.”

Trump later turned to attacking Biden over what he said was an erosion of America’s global standing during his presidency.

“We’re no longer respected as a country. They don’t respect our leadership. They don’t respect the United States anymore. We’re like a third-world nation. Between weaponization of his election, trying to go after his political opponent, all of the things he’s done, we’ve become like a third-world nation, and it’s a shame the damage he’s done to our country.”

Trump raised concerns about violence by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers entering the US. He said that Biden opened the borders and allowed in terrorists who “are killing our people.”

Biden countered by highlighting the experiences of young women who have suffered violence domestically. Trump reiterated his claims, accusing Biden of allowing murderers into the country who commit acts of violence against women.

Trump said that Russia would never have attacked Ukraine if he were President, and also weighed in on Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.

“Israel would have never been invaded by Hamas if I was president. Iran was broke with me. I wouldn't let anyone do business with them. They had no money for anything. No money for terror,” stated Trump.

Biden said in response he had “never heard so much malarkey in my life”.

Asked what actions he would take to end the war in Gaza, Biden again endorsed his three-phase plan that he outlined in late May.

“The only one who wants the war to continue in Hamas. The only thing I denied Israel is 2000-pound bombs which do not work in populated areas,” said Biden. “Hamas should be eliminated but you have to be careful with weapons you use in populated areas.”

Trump responded that "Israel is the one that wants to keep going. He said the only one who wants to keep going is Hamas. Actually, Israel is the one that wants to keep going, and you should let them go and let him finish the job. He doesn't want to do it. He's become like a Palestinian, but they don't like him because he's a very bad Palestinian, he's a weak one."

Asked if he would support the creation of a Palestinian state, Trump mostly ignored the question and said, “I’d have to see, but before we do that, the problem we have is that we spend all the money.”

Trump was asked directly about his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

“Let me tell you about January 6. On January 6, we had a great border. Nobody coming through, very few. On January 6, we were energy independent. On January 6, we had the lowest taxes ever. We had the lowest regulations ever. On January 6, we were respected over the world, all over the world. We were respected,” said Trump.

Biden referenced Trump’s recent felony conviction in New York on charges related to making hush-money payments to actress Stormy Daniels.

“The only person on this stage is a convicted felon, is the man I’m looking at right now,” Biden said as he glanced at Trump.

Trump was asked if he would prosecute his political opponents, like Biden, if he returns to the presidency and replied, “Well, I said my retribution is going to be success. We’re going to make this country successful again, because right now, it’s a failing nation.”

He then added, “But when he talks about a convicted felon. His son is a convicted felon at a very high level. His son is convicted, going to be convicted probably numerous other times. Should have been convicted before, but his justice department let the statute of limitations lapse on the most important things. But he could be a convicted felon as soon as he gets out of office. Joe could be a convicted felon with all of the things that he’s done. He’s done horrible things.”

On the question of their ages, which has been mentioned as a concern by some voters, Trump said he passed two cognitive tests and would like to see Biden take a cognitive test.

“I was willing to take a cognitive test, and then I took a similar one. I aced them.”

Asked if he would accept the results of the election regardless of who wins and condemn violence and replied, "I shouldn't have to say that but of course I believe that, [violence is] totally unacceptable."

“If it’s a fair and legal and good election, absolutely,” Trump replied later when pressed on accepting the results of the election.

Biden fired back, “I doubt you’ll accept it [if you lose again], because you’re such a whiner.”