In a hotly contested presidential race, the first of two debates between President Biden and former President Trump holds immense significance. Both candidates carry significant baggage, raising questions about their potential performance and the impact it could have on the outcome of the election.
In a rematch that has the nation on edge, President Biden and former President Trump are poised to clash in the first of two CNN Presidential Debates on Thursday, June 25th. The stakes are exceptionally high, as every vote could sway the outcome of the November election, particularly in the crucial battleground state of Georgia, where the debate is being held.
Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the significance of this debate, stating that it "will frame the race." Republican strategist Matt Gorman highlights its potential to "change the narrative in a massive way" and influence the narrative leading up to the summer conventions.
CNN Presidential Debate: Stakes Soar as Biden and Trump Prepare for Electoral Showdown
The debate will unfold over 90 minutes, without an audience and with strict rules limiting props, notes, and opening statements. The closing statements will be permitted, and a coin flip will determine which candidate delivers the final remarks.
Despite bypassing the Commission on Presidential Debates, Trump and Biden have agreed upon the parameters of the event. The polls suggest a close race, with Biden holding a slight edge in national polls and surveys.
CNN Presidential Debate: Stakes Soar as Biden and Trump Prepare for Electoral Showdown
"Debates move numbers in a way few other events do," Gorman emphasizes. "The impressions formed on Thursday night may harden into concrete, so showing up and performing well in Atlanta is crucial."
Both candidates bring a substantial amount of baggage to the debate, providing ample ammunition for their opponents. Biden faces concerns over his age and physical durability, as well as low approval ratings due to persistent inflation, border issues, and international crises.
CNN Presidential Debate: Stakes Soar as Biden and Trump Prepare for Electoral Showdown
Trump, on the other hand, recently made history as the first former or current president to be convicted of 34 felony counts. His promises of retribution against political enemies and his difficulty handling the abortion issue have created a backlash.
One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the debate is the version of Trump that will emerge. The undisciplined candidate who interrupted Biden and the moderator repeatedly in their 2020 debate may appear, or the more measured and disciplined Trump who performed better in their second debate.
CNN Presidential Debate: Stakes Soar as Biden and Trump Prepare for Electoral Showdown
Republican debate coach Brett O'Donnell advises Trump to replicate his performance in the second 2020 debate, emphasizing the importance of "stay[ing] calm, tell[ing] us what his second term will be like, and basically ignor[ing] the attacks and brush[ing] them off."
O'Donnell cautions Biden against falling into the "incumbent trap" of performing poorly in the first debate of their second term campaign, particularly given the age arguments against him. He suggests that Biden frame the race as a choice in defense of his record over the past four years.
CNN Presidential Debate: Stakes Soar as Biden and Trump Prepare for Electoral Showdown
While Biden has prepared for the debate at Camp David, Trump has balanced policy sessions with campaign appearances. However, the former president and his team have attempted to undermine the debate by questioning the fairness of the moderators and demanding that Biden take a drug test.
Trump allies are downplaying the potential for a strong performance by Biden, suggesting that Biden's performance will be judged primarily by the grocery prices and the incumbent's status. Biden's campaign, on the other hand, predicts that Trump will spread lies during the debate.
The CNN Presidential Debate marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 election. The performances of Biden and Trump, the issues they raise, and the narratives they shape will likely have a significant impact on the outcome of the race for the White House.
