Democratic President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump are set to face off in a highly anticipated debate on Thursday night, June 27. This debate offers voters a unique opportunity to see the two oldest candidates ever running for the U.S. presidency directly compare their policies and personalities side by side.
The 90-minute debate, marking the first time a sitting president and a former president have debated, will be broadcasted live on CNN at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Friday). Given the historical significance, the event might attract a record-breaking viewership, surpassing the 84 million people who watched Trump’s first debate against Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Taking place over four months before Election Day on November 5, this debate sets the stage for the intense campaign period ahead.
Donald Trump, 78, will step onto the stage as a felon facing multiple criminal charges, including accusations related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. These legal battles add a unique dimension to his candidacy.
Trump will need to reassure undecided voters that he is not a threat to democracy, countering Biden’s narrative. He must also demonstrate that, despite his legal troubles, he can lead the nation without seeking revenge against his political adversaries.
Joe Biden, 81, faces significant pressure to perform well and avoid any missteps that could reinforce concerns about his age and mental sharpness. Critics have frequently pointed to his age as a potential liability, making this debate a crucial moment for him to prove his capabilities.
Biden has been trailing Trump in polls of key battleground states. Trump’s conviction related to hush money payments to a porn star has also led to a surge in fundraising for his campaign, highlighting the contentious nature of this election cycle.
Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for Biden’s campaign, stated that the debate will highlight the stark contrast between Biden’s efforts to support American families and Trump’s “unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution.” This suggests Biden will focus on his policy achievements and plans for the future.
According to Trump’s advisors, his debate strategy will focus on criticizing Biden’s handling of the southern U.S. border amid record levels of illegal crossings. Additionally, Trump plans to address economic issues, particularly inflation, and question Biden’s global leadership amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, emphasized that the debate will be a prime opportunity for Trump to highlight his strengths compared to Biden’s weaknesses, showcasing his record of success against Biden’s record of perceived failures.
The second and final debate of this year’s presidential campaign is scheduled for September, giving both candidates another chance to influence voters before the November election.
