Biden and Trump Prepare for Historic Presidential Debate
The first debate of the 2024 presidential election will take place on Thursday, June 27, in Atlanta, marking a historic moment as current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump face off. This debate is particularly significant as it is the first time in American history that two presidents, each with a four-year record, will stand side by side on the debate stage. The debate will be moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and will last 90 minutes, featuring two commercial breaks.
Key Issues and Expectations
The debate comes at a critical time for both candidates. Biden aims to dispel concerns about his age and mental acuity while defending his administration's handling of high inflation rates, immigration issues, and foreign policy challenges in Ukraine and Gaza. On the other hand, Trump, despite facing criminal charges, seeks to present himself as a more viable option, focusing on his past achievements and promising to tackle key issues like the economy and foreign policy.
The debate will follow strict rules to ensure a civil discussion. Both candidates will stand on a uniform podium, with positions determined by a coin toss. Microphones will be muted except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. No props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage, although candidates will have access to a pen, notepad, and bottle of water. Notably, there will be no audience present, allowing the candidates to maximize their debate time.
Importance of the Debate
This debate is seen as a pivotal moment for both campaigns. For Biden, it is an opportunity to showcase his leadership and counter the narrative that he is unfit for office. For Trump, it is a chance to highlight Biden's weaknesses and present himself as a strong alternative. Both candidates are under pressure to perform well, as their popularity remains low among voters. According to recent polls, Biden's approval rating has dropped to 36%, while Trump's stands at 45%.
The debate will also be closely watched internationally, with global public opinion keen on the main issues in the American election scene. Trump's potential victory is seen favorably by Russia, while Europe views it with concern due to his stance on NATO. Both candidates agree on a strict approach towards China, reflecting the bipartisan consensus on this issue.
- The debate will be broadcast live on CNN and will also be available on CNN en Español and Max Latinoamérica, ensuring that Spanish-speaking audiences throughout the continent can access this crucial event. CNN en Español will provide in-depth analysis and various perspectives on the performance of Biden and Trump after the debate.
- The last time Biden and Trump debated was in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. That debate was marked by frequent interruptions and personal attacks, leading to a change in the debate format to cut off candidates' microphones while their opponent answered the first question of each segment. The upcoming debate aims to avoid such disruptions and provide a more substantive discussion.
- The debate will focus on key issues that matter to American citizens, including the economy, foreign policy, and domestic challenges. Both candidates have agreed to participate in another debate organized by ABC on September 10, which will provide another opportunity for them to present their visions for the future of the United States.
