President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to clash on June 27 in a highly anticipated and historic debate, offering voters at least two chances to assess both contenders before the November elections. This pivotal event, scheduled for Thursday and hosted by CNN at their Atlanta studios, will set several new precedents that reshape the traditional format of presidential debates.
The second debate, hosted by ABC News, is slated for September 10, following the official nomination of candidates by their respective parties in July and August. The program will commence at 9:00 PM Eastern Time and span 90 minutes, including two commercial breaks, potentially drawing an audience of at least 80 million viewers.
According to CNN, there will be no live audience; candidates’ microphones will be muted when it's not their turn to speak, and only Trump and Biden will be present on stage. Moderators for the CNN debate will be Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, while David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the ABC News debate.
Political analysts highlight the historic nature of this event as it marks the first confrontation between a sitting president and a former president: Biden is seeking re-election, while Trump attempts a return to the White House. The timing of this initial encounter is unusually early, as neither candidate has yet been officially nominated by their parties, and presidential debates are typically held in September and October.
For the first time since 1988, the debates will not be organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates and will take place without an audience to prevent interruptions and distractions. This debate occurs amid heightened political tension and polarization in the United States, with polls showing Biden and Trump in a statistical tie. The debate could be a pivotal event influencing the election outcome.
Trump, at 78 years old, will face multiple accusations and criticisms, aiming to focus his attacks on Biden’s economic management and his age (81), positioning himself as a better option to lead the country. Meanwhile, Biden will seek to highlight his administration's accomplishments and criticize Trump for his controversial track record, including his role in the rollback of abortion rights and his numerous ongoing legal battles.
In 2020, the then-candidates faced off 15 days before the election in a tense but civil debate. On that occasion, with unfavorable polls pressing him, Trump seized the opportunity to promise the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine "within weeks," while Biden painted a grim picture, warning of a "dark winter" amid the rampant pandemic.
Key Insights on the Biden-Trump Debate
Given the significance of this historic debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, here are some frequently asked questions that can provide further clarity on the event and its implications.
Why is the Biden-Trump debate considered historic?
The debate is historic because it marks the first time a sitting president and a former president will face off in such a setting. Additionally, it sets new precedents for debate formats, including the absence of a live audience and managing candidate microphones.
What changes are being made to the traditional debate format?
The debates will not feature a live audience to avoid interruptions, and candidates' microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak. This is a departure from the traditional format managed by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Who are the moderators for the debates?
For the CNN debate, the moderators will be Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The ABC News debate will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.