In a historic event, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to meet for their first 2024 debate, marking the first time a sitting president and former president have debated each other. The debate, set to take place on CNN Thursday night, will be the earliest in the election cycle that a presidential debate featuring the major parties’ nominees has ever taken place in modern history.
President Biden, already the oldest president the United States has ever had, will face scrutiny over his record, while former President Trump faces a criminal record that includes a conviction in New York and other charges. Biden’s son, Hunter, has also faced legal troubles and is frequently targeted by Trump and other Republicans.
The 90-minute debate, set to start at 9 p.m. ET on CNN, will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and will take place at the network’s studios in Atlanta with no audience.
One key focus of Thursday night’s debate will be how the former president’s past grievances and personal attacks will play out against Biden’s policies. Trump’s advisers and allies have urged him to focus on issues such as the economy, crime, and inflation to appeal to a broader audience.
For Biden, the debate will be a chance to showcase his experience and knowledge while also addressing concerns about his age. Biden will aim to avoid any missteps that could reinforce doubts about his age while effectively countering Trump’s attacks.
The debate is also expected to touch on issues such as abortion, inflation, democracy, and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. Biden will have the opportunity to confront Trump on his denial of the election results and his foreign policy decisions.
Overall, the debate is expected to be a crucial moment in the 2024 presidential race, providing voters with a chance to hear directly from the two candidates on key issues facing the country.
