Biden, Trump combine presidential debate with ad blitz

Biden uses Trump allies against him and blasts Trump’s plan for office
Trump ads criticize Biden’s policies and target Biden’s ability to serve
Biden has spent over $140M on ads this election; Trump has spent about $90M

Updated: Jun 28, 2024 / 06:38 AM EDT

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(NewsNation) — The campaigns for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump launched a barrage of advertisements ahead of and during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election.

The media blitz attacked both candidates, leaving no topic untouched.

DNC billboard mocks Trump’s conviction

Hours before hitting the stage at the CNN Presidential Debate on Thursday, the Biden administration launched an elaborate seven-figure media blitz targeting Trump.

The full 38-second ad featured words from former Trump administration officials and allies used against him. Additionally, Biden and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) posted billboards welcoming Trump to Atlanta but reminding voters he’s a convicted felon.

Biden’s final move ahead of the debate was placing QR codes on sidewalks and buildings throughout the city, leading voters to a Project 2025 page. This page claims that Trump wants to take “away reproductive freedom nationwide” and use the presidency for revenge against personal enemies.

Trump targets Biden’s ability to serve

In response, Trump launched his own media blitz, featuring two 30-second TV ads.

The first focused on voter concerns such as the economy and the country’s opioid crisis, while the second ad questioned Biden’s physical fitness to serve as president for another four-year term.

The age of both Trump and Biden took center stage at Thursday’s debate, with both candidates addressing concerns about their capabilities to be the president despite their respective elderly ages.

Both Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, would be the oldest president elected in U.S. history if they win in November.

If Biden were elected in November, he’d be 86 at the end of his term. If Trump were elected in November, he’d be 82 at the end of his term.