June 27th 2024.
As we approach the five-month mark until election day, the American people are eagerly anticipating the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. It's been quite some time since these two have faced off, with Biden now occupying the White House, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Recent polls have shown that the race between the two candidates is extremely close, leaving both Biden and Trump eager to gain any advantage they can in this crucial debate. For live updates on the key talking points, you can follow our coverage of the Biden-Trump debate here.
What makes this election particularly intriguing is the fact that both candidates are deeply unpopular among voters. Biden's approval rating has taken a hit, with many feeling uneasy about the 81-year-old leading for another four years. On the other hand, Trump, 78, is facing the possibility of a prison sentence, causing swing voters to question whether they want to see a repeat of his first term.
This is no ordinary election, and as a result, this will be no ordinary debate. Here's what you need to know before tuning in:
Typically, the format of debates is set by a nonprofit organization called the Commission on Presidential Debates. However, both Biden and Trump were dissatisfied with the commission's plans and decided to take matters into their own hands. As a result, the debate will be broadcast on CNN and moderated by network anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. For those unable to watch on TV, the debate can also be streamed live on 9Now at 11am AEST. We will also have live updates on our 9News website.
Unlike past debates, this one will be held in a studio without an audience. In an effort to avoid the interruptions that plagued the first 2020 debate, the candidates' microphones will be muted when it's not their turn to speak.
One of the most interesting aspects of this debate will be which candidate will have a tougher time defending their record. Typically, incumbent presidents struggle in debates as they are forced to justify their actions during their time in office. However, both Biden and Trump have their own records to explain. Trump may try to highlight his successes in the economy and crime rates, even though both have actually improved during his presidency. On the other hand, Biden will likely take aim at Trump's stance on abortion and his numerous criminal charges.
There is also speculation that Trump may use this opportunity to announce his running mate, something he has been teasing for weeks. This would surely cause quite a stir. Biden, on the other hand, may already be prepared to counteract any potential announcement and define Trump's choice in the minds of the public.
In the lead up to the debate, Trump has once again accused Biden of using performance-enhancing drugs. He has even called for a drug test to be administered to both candidates. However, much of this accusation hinges on which version of Biden shows up – the one who sometimes appears frail and soft-spoken, or the one who can be forceful and charismatic. Both candidates are against drug use, so this could be a non-issue.
Many have speculated that this early debate was scheduled in an attempt to minimize the impact of a poor performance. However, in recent years, American voters have become increasingly set in their political views, leaving very few swing voters up for grabs. As a result, most people watching the debate will likely already have their minds made up and will simply see their preferred candidate as the winner. However, given the history of verbal slip-ups by both Trump and Biden, this debate may hold more weight than usual in swaying voters.
Ultimately, both candidates will be looking to prove to the American people that they are the right person for the job. As they take the stage, they will be crossing their fingers and hoping that their opponent makes a mistake. You can watch the debate live on Nine and 9Now at 11am AEST, or follow along with our coverage on our live blog.
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