Biden and Trump Gear Up for Crucial Debate in Tight Presidential Race
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to face off on Thursday in a high-stakes US presidential debate, as they vie for an edge in their closely contested race for the White House. Millions of Americans will watch this early clash, marking the start of what is expected to be a contentious summer of campaigning in a deeply divided nation, still reeling from the turbulence of the 2020 election.
With just two debates scheduled this election cycle and national polls indicating a dead heat, the debate at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, starting at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT Friday), is of paramount importance.
Both candidates must address the public’s lack of enthusiasm for the choice between the 81-year-old Biden, the oldest sitting president, and the 78-year-old Trump, now a convicted felon. Trump, known for his combative style, must temper his aggression, which proved detrimental in their chaotic debate four years ago. Biden, on the other hand, needs to avoid significant blunders that could amplify concerns about his age, while emphasizing his message that Trump poses a serious threat to US democracy.
Biden arrived in Georgia six hours before the debate, greeting supporters in Atlanta, while Trump arrived later, greeting his supporters with a fist pump. Both sides have agreed to debate rules designed to minimize shouting matches, including no studio audience and cut-off microphones once speaking time is over.
Both campaigns released new attack ads, with Trump accusing Biden of economic mismanagement and encouraging illegal immigration. On his Truth Social platform, Trump labeled Biden as the real threat to democracy. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party placed five billboards in Atlanta mocking Trump’s legal issues.
Polling shows Trump with a slight lead in crucial swing states, though the national race remains tight. The latest Quinnipiac University poll shows Trump slightly ahead of Biden, 49 percent to 45 percent.
The debate will see both candidates addressing significant political liabilities. Biden faces scrutiny over his mental acuity, with concerns about his age more prominent than those about Trump, despite the minimal age difference. Both have stumbled in recent public appearances, adding to voter concerns.
Trump’s controversies include his inflammatory rhetoric and recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Biden, having spent the past week preparing at Camp David, aims to fine-tune his arguments under real TV lighting, while Trump has taken a more relaxed approach, preparing with informal policy discussions and strategy sessions with rally crowds.
“Biden’s a good debater. He’s been in a lot of these debates over many, many decades, so one should not underestimate him,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat. Trump advisor Jason Miller countered by saying that the media is prepared to give Biden a “participation trophy” if he simply stays upright for 90 minutes.
