President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off tonight in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season. The debate, hosted by CNN and simulcast on several other networks, marks the first time the two candidates have shared a debate stage since 2020. Scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET, this 90-minute event will be closely watched as both candidates vie to sway voters in what promises to be a highly contentious race.
The debate will feature only the two presumptive party nominees, President Biden and former President Trump. Independent and third-party candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., did not qualify for the debate stage, having failed to meet the ballot access and polling requirements set by CNN. Candidates needed at least 15% support in four approved national polls and ballot presence in enough states to secure 270 Electoral College votes. Kennedy's campaign, however, announced it would host its own online "debate" at the same time.
Moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash of CNN will oversee the debate, ensuring the discussion remains orderly. The debate will take place in CNN's Atlanta studios with no studio audience, allowing both candidates to fully utilize their allotted time without interruptions. The debate will include two commercial breaks, and campaign staff will not be permitted to interact with the candidates during these intervals.
Although CNN has not disclosed specific topics, several pressing issues are expected to dominate the debate. Key topics likely to be discussed include border security and immigration, abortion rights following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Trump's felony conviction related to a "hush money" payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, Hunter Biden's legal troubles, the economy, and voter concerns about the age and health of both candidates.
Key Issues at Stake
- Border Security and Immigration: This remains a hot-button issue, especially for Trump, who has consistently criticized Biden's handling of the southern border. Expect Trump to highlight what he perceives as failures in border security and immigration policies, while Biden will likely defend his administration's approach and focus on comprehensive immigration reform.
- Abortion Rights: Since the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a central issue, galvanizing both sides. Biden is expected to advocate for federal protections for abortion rights, while Trump may emphasize his role in appointing conservative justices who contributed to the decision.
- Trump's Legal Troubles: Trump's recent felony conviction related to the 2016 election's "hush money" scandal is likely to be a significant topic. Biden might use this to question Trump's integrity and suitability for office, while Trump could frame it as a political witch hunt.
- Hunter Biden's Legal Issues: The conviction of Biden's son, Hunter, for his purchase and possession of a gun while addicted to crack cocaine will likely be brought up by Trump to attack Biden's credibility and family ethics. Biden will need to navigate this delicately, potentially highlighting efforts to support his son's recovery.
- The Economy: Both candidates will address economic issues, with Biden likely touting job growth and recovery efforts post-pandemic, while Trump will criticize rising inflation and the economic challenges faced during Biden's tenure. Each will present their plans for economic stability and growth.
- Age and Health Concerns: Voter concerns about the age and health of both candidates will likely be a critical point. Biden, at 81, and Trump, at 77, will need to demonstrate their physical and mental fitness for the presidency.
High Stakes and Debate Dynamics
President Biden, 81, has faced questions about his age and physical and mental stamina. Despite struggling with persistent inflation and a border crisis, he remains determined to defend his record over the past four years. His underwater job approval ratings and ongoing foreign policy challenges add to the weight of tonight's debate.
Meanwhile, Trump, 77, enters the debate with his own set of controversies. Last month, he was convicted of 34 felony counts in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president. He also faces charges related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Despite these issues, Trump has managed to maintain a slight edge in many national polls and surveys in key battleground states.
One of the biggest questions surrounding tonight's debate is which version of Trump will show up. Will it be the undisciplined candidate from the first 2020 debate, who continuously interrupted Biden and failed to condemn white supremacists, or the more measured and disciplined Trump from the second 2020 debate? Longtime Republican consultant and debate coach Brett O'Donnell suggests that if Trump replicates his performance from the second debate, he could have a very good night.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump ally, emphasized the importance of staying calm and outlining his vision for a second term. "Trump has a very simple job to do: stay calm, tell us what his second term will be like, and basically ignore the attacks and brush them off," Gingrich advised.
O'Donnell, who has extensive experience coaching presidential candidates, also offered advice for Biden. He warned against falling into the "incumbent trap," a common pitfall where incumbents perform poorly in their first debate when seeking re-election. "Biden needs to frame the race as a choice and defend his record over the past four years," O'Donnell said. "That is a tall order, but it's something he has to do to justify picking him over Donald Trump."
