Democratic President Joe Biden and his Republican opponent Donald Trump are set to face off on Thursday night in a pivotal debate, offering voters an unprecedented chance to see the two oldest presidential candidates in American history side by side.
Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, are expected to demonstrate their grasp of key issues and avoid any verbal missteps in what promises to be a critical moment in a closely contested race, according to recent polls.
The 90-minute televised debate, the first ever between a sitting president and a former president, will air at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Friday) on CNN, unusually early in the election cycle, more than four months before Election Day on Nov. 5.
This event comes amid widespread polarization and deep voter anxiety about the direction of U.S. politics. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in May revealed that two-thirds of voters fear potential violence following the election, reflecting lingering tensions since the Capitol riot by Trump supporters nearly four years ago.
Trump enters the debate under legal scrutiny, facing multiple criminal cases, including efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He continues to allege fraud in his defeat and has suggested reprisals against political adversaries, challenges Biden will likely highlight to sway undecided voters concerned about democratic integrity.
Biden arrives with pressure to deliver a commanding performance amid GOP claims of diminished cognitive abilities. His campaign has emphasized testimonials from former Trump aides who now oppose the former president, framing Trump as unfit for office.
In the debate, Biden plans to spotlight Trump’s record on abortion rights, portray him as a threat to democratic norms, and remind voters of the tumultuous aspects of Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021.
Conversely, Trump aims to focus on rising inflation, surging illegal immigration rates, and question Biden’s global leadership amidst international conflicts. His strategy includes defending his environmental record, as suggested by former EPA chief Andrew Wheeler.
Both candidates remain unpopular among voters, with significant numbers undecided or considering third-party options, underscoring widespread dissatisfaction with the choices presented.
The debate, moderated by CNN to prevent interruptions, will proceed without an audience or candidate-provided materials. Post-debate, Biden’s campaign will feature Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, known for her critical stance on her uncle.
The final debate in this election cycle is scheduled for September, marking another critical juncture in the campaign’s trajectory.
