President Biden and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for their first debate of the 2024 presidential election cycle, which will take place on Thursday. The national polls have shown the two candidates to be neck-and-neck, making this debate crucial for both candidates. CNN will host the debate at their headquarters in Atlanta, with moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The debate is expected to last 90 minutes and will include two commercial breaks. There will be no studio audience present, allowing the candidates to focus solely on each other and the moderators.
In an effort to prevent interruptions, CNN has announced that the microphones will be muted when it is not a candidate’s turn to speak. This move is intended to limit interruptions and allow viewers to form their own opinions without influence from audience reactions. President Biden and his team have been preparing for the debate at Camp David, while former President Trump has continued to hold rallies, including one in Racine, Wisconsin. Despite Trump’s criminal conviction last month, the polls show the two candidates to be virtually tied. Issues such as inflation and border security are more important to likely voters than Trump’s conviction.
The upcoming debate may feel like a repeat of the 2020 debates for viewers, as the two candidates are set to face off once again. However, unlike the pandemic debates, the candidates are not expected to be as physically distanced this time. The last time Trump and Biden shared a stage was in September 2020, just days before Trump tested positive for COVID-19. CBS will also simulcast the debate on their television stations and streaming platforms, with anchor Norah O’Donnell leading a special report and analysis from political correspondents and analysts. Viewers can tune in at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) to watch the debate.
Those interested in watching the debate can do so on CNN or CBS television stations, with the coverage and analysis beginning at 5 p.m. ET. For online viewers, the debate will be streamed live on CBS News 24/7 on various platforms. Additionally, live updates will be available on CBSNews.com throughout the event. The debate is expected to be a significant moment in the 2024 presidential election cycle, as both candidates face off in a highly anticipated event that will be closely watched by the public.
