CNN will host the upcoming presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, in a departure from the traditional format organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The event will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash at CNN’s Atlanta studio, with no live audience present.
This return to a TV studio format hearkens back to the first televised presidential debates in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Kennedy’s comfort on camera gave him an edge over Nixon, who did not wear makeup or practice for the debates due to a recent hospital stay.
The tradition of televised debates was interrupted until 1976, when Gerald Ford challenged Jimmy Carter to a debate during a difficult campaign. However, Ford’s blunder during the debate did not aid his candidacy.
The upcoming debate between Biden and Trump will be a crucial moment for undecided voters, according to experts. While many Americans have already made up their minds, there is still a significant portion of the electorate up for grabs.
The 90-minute debate will feature commercial breaks and closing statements from both candidates. It will be broadcast live on CNN and other networks, with the potential for clips to be shared on social media for further analysis. The debate is expected to draw in viewers who may not typically engage in political events, making it a critical moment in the campaign.
