President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for a pivotal debate in Atlanta on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Friday), marking the earliest presidential debate in modern U.S. history. With both candidates leading the oldest bids for the U.S. presidency, the event will place a spotlight on their mental sharpness and cognitive competence, as national opinion polls show them neck-and-neck with a significant portion of voters still undecided five months before the November 5 election.
Bidenâs Preparation Strategy
President Biden, 81, has retreated to Camp David with his aides to intensify his preparation efforts. Spearheading his debate preparations is Ron Klain, Bidenâs former chief of staff, who previously guided the presidentâs successful State of the Union preparations. The Biden team aims to underscore Trumpâs extremist policies and highlight his past actions, including his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. The strategy focuses on presenting Biden as a wise, steady leader in contrast to Trumpâs perceived chaos and division.
According to campaign officials, Bidenâs rehearsals include refining his arguments against Trumpâs policies on abortion, democracy, and financial influence from wealthy donors. The goal is to create a clear contrast between Bidenâs steady leadership and Trumpâs controversial stances.
Trumpâs Informal Approach
In contrast, former President Trump, 78, is taking a less conventional approach. Rather than engaging in traditional mock debates, Trump is holding informal policy discussions with U.S. senators and advisers, including J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Stephen Miller, at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trumpâs team believes his extensive experience with rallies and media appearances over the past year has sufficiently prepared him to articulate his positions on stage.
Senior campaign adviser Brian Hughes indicated that Trump intends to challenge Biden on his administrationâs handling of immigration, inflation, and international conflicts, including the situations in Israel and Ukraine. Trumpâs approach emphasizes leveraging his past policy achievements and laying out plans for his potential next term.
Debate Dynamics
The 90-minute debate, hosted by CNN, will feature strict speaking limitations, a ban on notes, and muted microphones except during designated speaking times. This format will test both candidatesâ abilities to communicate effectively without relying on audience reactions or extended explanations.
Political experts, such as Patrick Stewart from the University of Arkansas and Alan Schroeder from Northeastern University, warn that the debate format will require both candidates to adapt their styles and could challenge Trumpâs preference for an impromptu approach.
As Biden and Trump prepare for their first face-off in four years, the debate is set to provide voters with a direct comparison of their cognitive abilities and policy positions, potentially influencing the trajectory of the 2024 presidential race.
