Tonight, history will be made as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump face off in Atlanta in the first presidential debate between a sitting president and a former president in U.S. history. The debate begins at 9 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. Mountain Time) in CNN’s Atlanta studios.
Recent polls show that the race is essentially deadlocked. The debate presents an opportunity for each candidate to shake things up and present a compelling vision for the future to sway undecided voters.
President Biden has been preparing extensively for this debate, spending time at Camp David engaging in mock debates and intense strategy sessions. His team is likely focusing on key issues where they believe Trump is vulnerable, such as women’s reproductive rights, and the economy, and Trump’s perceived threat to democracy.
On the other hand, Trump has been working closely with his policy advisors to hone his message. His team hopes that without an audience—something Trump typically feeds off of—he will stay disciplined and focused on key issues like the economy, inflation, and immigration.
The introduction of new rules is expected to significantly shape the dynamics of tonight’s debate. Both candidates have agreed to these rules, which include muted microphones to prevent interruptions.
The absence of an audience is another critical change. Without the usual cheers, boos, and hecklers, both candidates will have to rely solely on their rhetoric and presentation to make their points.
One of the big questions is whether the two candidates will shake hands before or after the debate, a gesture that would symbolize a level of respect despite their deep political differences. However, given their bitter rivalry, this remains uncertain.
Both candidates are looking for a significant boost from tonight’s debate. With the election deadlocked and only a handful of states expected to decide the outcome, a strong performance could provide the momentum needed to sway undecided voters. Each candidate will be seeking a viral moment or a decisive exchange that can tip the scales in their favor.
As millions of people tune in to watch this historic debate, the pressure on both Biden and Trump is immense. The new rules, the absence of an audience, and the high stakes all contribute to what promises to be a compelling and potentially pivotal event in the 2024 presidential race.