The first TV debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump for the 2024 US election is set to take place on June 27, 2024. This highly anticipated event will be broadcast live from CNN's studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The debate will last 90 minutes and will include two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff will not be able to interact with the candidates.
This debate marks a historic moment as it is the first time a sitting president and a former president will face off on the debate stage. Both candidates, who have been preparing rigorously, will address critical issues such as US immigration policy, economic policy, the Ukraine war, and abortion rights. Additionally, concerns about their age and mental fitness are expected to be a focal point.
The debate will be broadcast live on CNN in the United States, with additional coverage on CNN International, CNN en Español, and other major American networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. In Germany, the Phoenix channel will broadcast the debate live, and a free live stream will be available in the ARD media library.
Several rules have been agreed upon for the debate to ensure a civil discussion. The candidates' microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak, and they will not be allowed to bring pre-written notes or props onto the stage. They will only be provided with a pen, notepad, and bottle of water. The debate will also take place without a studio audience to avoid disruptions.
The debate is seen as a critical opportunity for both candidates to demonstrate their leadership abilities and address voter concerns. Biden aims to dispel the narrative that he is too old or unfit for office, while Trump seeks to reassure voters of his temperament and stability. The outcome of the debate could significantly influence voter perceptions and the trajectory of the 2024 presidential campaign.
- The early scheduling of this debate came as a surprise, as it was initially planned for a later date. However, CNN announced in mid-May that it would host the debate on June 27, aligning with the Biden camp's preferences. Another debate is scheduled for September 10, 2024, to be hosted by ABC.
- Both Biden and Trump have confirmed their participation through their respective social media platforms, with Biden using X (formerly Twitter) and Trump using Truth Social. The debate's format will involve direct questions from the moderators, with each candidate having two minutes to respond, followed by a one-minute reply and counter-reply.
- The debate is crucial not only for American voters but also for international audiences, given the global implications of US policies. Trump's polarizing figure and his stance on NATO, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine war, have garnered significant interest abroad. The debate will address these international concerns, providing insight into each candidate's foreign policy stance.
- The debate will also be a test of both candidates' ability to stay on message and avoid personal attacks. Democrats hope Biden's performance will counter the GOP-driven narrative about his age and mental fitness, while Republicans want Trump to focus on policy issues rather than resorting to his usual combative style.
- The debate could be a decisive factor in the 2024 election, given the tight race and the deep polarization in American politics. Both candidates have a lot at stake, and their performance could either allay or intensify voter concerns about their ability to lead the nation for the next four years.
