United States: This week will witness a significant event as President Biden and former President Donald Trump are poised to engage in their first presidential debate of the current election cycle. The nation eagerly anticipates a rematch of their 2020 contest.
Scheduled for Thursday at CNN’s studios in Atlanta at 9 pm ET, this debate holds historical significance as the inaugural clash between a sitting president and a former president during the 2024 election race. Both candidates secured their party’s nominations without participating in primary debates, according to reports by CBS News.
The decision to hold these debates emerged swiftly last month following a letter from the Biden campaign expressing readiness for two pre-election debates. Within hours, the debates were scheduled for June and September.
This format diverges from past debates managed by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which has overseen such events since 1988. The Biden campaign declined participation in commission-sponsored debates, citing concerns over rule enforcement during the 2020 debates.
Key details of the debate structure
Scheduled for Thursday, the 90-minute debate will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash without a live audience, ensuring maximum candidate speaking time. It will feature two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff cannot interact with the candidates.
The microphone of the non-speaking candidate will be muted while one candidate responds to questions. The format excludes opening statements, allowing each candidate two minutes to answer, as mentioned by CBS News.
A coin toss favored Biden’s team, granting them the choice of making the closing statement or selecting stage position. They opted for the right-side lectern, leaving Mr. Trump to conclude with closing remarks.
Preparations for the debate
Biden initiated preparations at Camp David last week, engaging informal sessions with former advisors, senior White House, and campaign aides. Mock debates are planned, with Bob Bauer, the president’s personal attorney, simulating Trump.
Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff and a close advisor to Biden for nearly four decades, leads the preparation efforts. Klain previously assisted Al Gore, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton in debate preparations.
The Biden campaign views the debate as an opportunity to showcase the president’s achievements and future vision while contrasting them with his predecessor’s record. In a released memo, the campaign highlighted contrasting visions for America’s future on display in Atlanta.
Conversely, Trump’s preparation seems more informal, involving private meetings with allies and public appearances, including a rally in Philadelphia where he discussed strategies for the upcoming debate, as per CBS News reports.
Post-debate plans
Following the debate, Trump plans to return to Virginia for a campaign event, focusing on states where Biden secured a 10-point victory in 2020. Mr. Biden intends to rally in North Carolina.
This debate occurs weeks before the Republican and Democratic conventions, marking an early but significant confrontation. Both candidates secured sufficient delegates by mid-March, setting the stage for a White House rematch.
Qualifying for the debate
Candidates had to meet CNN’s criteria, including a minimum 15 percent in four national polls of registered or likely voters and placement on enough state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not meet the criteria by the deadline, solidifying the one-on-one debate.