President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to meet for a highly-anticipated debate, offering both candidates a chance to reshape the political narrative. Biden, the incumbent Democrat, aims to reassure voters of his capabilities at 81, while Trump, at 78, hopes to move past his felony conviction in New York and convince the audience of his suitability for the Oval Office. Both candidates enter the debate facing significant challenges, with polls showing that they are unpopular with the majority of Americans and with sharply contrasting visions on key issues such as reforming the government and protecting democracy.
The upcoming debate, just over four months before Election Day, has the potential to influence the trajectory of the race. Scholar Kathleen Hall Jamieson notes that debates usually reinforce existing perceptions rather than change them, but with two well-known incumbents, there is room for surprises. The event marks several firsts, as it is the first time Trump and Biden will meet on stage since the 2020 election, with previous debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates being replaced by a CNN-hosted event with new rules such as no audience, muted microphones, and limited commercial breaks.
The stakes for both candidates are high, with issues such as reproductive rights, immigration, international conflicts, and economic policies at the forefront of the debate. The Supreme Court’s pending decision on Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection and his recent felony conviction also add to the political backdrop. Both Biden and Trump have been preparing intensively for the debate, with Biden secluding himself at Camp David for practice sessions and Trump conducting his preparation at his Florida estate, reaching out to allies and supporters for feedback.
The choice of Atlanta as the debate’s host city holds symbolic significance, as Georgia played a crucial role in the 2020 election with a narrow victory for Biden. Trump’s attempts to overturn the results and subsequent legal challenges have added to the tension surrounding the state. Both campaigns have been active in Atlanta, holding events to connect with voters and frame their messages. Following the debate, both candidates plan to travel to key swing states, such as Virginia for Trump and North Carolina for Biden, in an effort to secure support for the upcoming election.
Overall, the debate between Biden and Trump is expected to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle. With the candidates facing public scrutiny and the potential to sway undecided voters, every word and action will be crucial in shaping the narrative moving forward. The outcome of the debate could have far-reaching implications for the race, setting the tone for the rest of the campaign and determining the strategies and messaging of both candidates as they seek to secure the presidency.
