Biden said that taxing the rich would help give the United States more money for certain programs. -- The first general election debate of the 2024 season has kicked off. U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, are squaring off as the candidates attempt to lure currently undecided voters. Biden has the opportunity to reassure voters that, at 81, he is capable of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges. The 78-year-old Trump could use the moment to try to move past his felony conviction and appeal to tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office. Thursday’s debate in Atlanta is the first to be hosted by CNN.