Biden-Trump Faceoff in First 2024 Presidential Debate: What's At Stake

Atlanta: All eyes are on President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as they prepare to face off in Atlanta for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, broadcast by CNN. This debate is unprecedented, marking the first time a sitting president and a former president will debate in U.S. history. Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, will address criticisms and present their contrasting views on key issues such as the war in Gaza, immigration, and abortion.

The stakes are high, with tension expected to exceed that of previous debates as both candidates vie for voters' support ahead of the November election. This will be the first time Biden and Trump have appeared together since their contentious debates four years ago. The initial 2020 encounter was notably acrimonious, marked by frequent interruptions and Biden’s exasperated “Will you shut up, man?” The second debate, delayed due to Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis, began without a handshake.

Both candidates are out of practice, having not participated in a debate for nearly four years. Trump skipped the Republican primary debates earlier this year, becoming the party’s presumptive nominee without engaging in debate. Incumbent presidents often struggle in their first re-election debates, possibly due to being unaccustomed to direct challenges after four years in office. This time, both Biden and Trump might face that same difficulty.

Unlike past debates, this one will take place in a cable television studio without a live audience, a stipulation made by the Biden campaign following a chaotic Trump town hall hosted by CNN last year. Additionally, the debate will feature muted microphones during the opponent's speaking time, a measure aimed at preventing the kind of disorder that marred the first Trump-Biden debate in 2020. This adjustment might lead to a more orderly, though potentially less memorable, debate.

What time is the debate?

The debate will start at 9 PM ET (6:30 AM IST). It will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

What channel is the debate on?

CNN is carrying the debate live on its broadcast network, as well as on CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max. Viewers can also stream it without a log in on CNN's website. Several networks have also agreed to carry the event live.

Where is the debate?

The setting for the first general election debate is CNN's studios in Atlanta. Unlike the Republican primary debates, no audience will be present. Once a Republican stronghold, Georgia was a pivotal battleground in 2020. Both parties are preparing for another closely contested race in the state this year. Trump also faces an indictment in Georgia for his push to “find 11,780 votes” and overturn Biden’s victory based on false or unproven theories of voter fraud.