Upcoming presidential debate slated for June 27, President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown. The anticipation is palpable as both candidates prepare to face off for the first time since the 2020 elections.
The podium placement for the debate was decided by a coin toss, won by President Biden’s team as it landed on tails, their chosen side. This victory allowed them to select the right-side podium placement, opting to have Biden start the closing statements. Conversely, Donald Trump will be positioned on the left and will conclude the 90-minute debate with his final remarks.
Hosted by CNN in Atlanta, the debate promises to be closely monitored, adhering to strict rules announced earlier this week. Candidates’ microphones will be muted when it’s not their turn to speak, ensuring a focused and orderly exchange. No props will be allowed on stage, with only basic essentials like pen, paper, and water permitted.
The format includes no opening statements, with questions posed by moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to questions, followed by one-minute rebuttals, signified by a series of lights for timing.
This debate marks the first of two scheduled encounters between Biden and Trump, with the second scheduled for September 10 and hosted by ABC News. The stakes are high, with both candidates expected to delve into critical issues ranging from the economy to immigration, with potential personal and policy-focused attacks on the agenda.
Ahead of the debate, President Biden is engaged in rigorous preparations at Camp David, mindful of the pivotal nature of this televised event. Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues his campaign activities, preparing for the debate through a series of private meetings at his Florida estate.
As the nation gears up to witness this critical event, all eyes will be on how each candidate performs under the spotlight, with implications that could shape the course of the upcoming election.