The first debate offers both candidates an opportunity to shift the momentum of the 2024 race, according to a political strategist.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will square off in their first debate of 2024 on June 27, aiming to present different visions for the future of the United States.
The high-stakes debate will be a crucial platform for the two oldest candidates in U.S. history to demonstrate their energy, appearance, coherence, and responsiveness, making it a pivotal event that could shape the presidential race, according to political analysts.
CNN will host the debate at its Atlanta studios. The 81-year-old incumbent and his 78-year-old opponent will be standing throughout the debate, which will last 90 minutes. There will be two commercial breaks, according to the network.
This year’s debate is taking place earlier than usual. The debate is so early that neither candidate has received an official nomination yet. Presidential debates typically occur in September or early October.
“The first debate offers both candidates a chance to change the race’s momentum,” democrat strategist Christy Setzer told The Epoch Times.
“Currently, we believe President Biden has benefited, albeit in a small way, from Trump’s felony convictions, but it’s still a toss-up,” she said. “The debate offers him an opportunity to pull ahead for real, or to reignite voters’ worries about him.”
On June 20, President Biden headed to the presidential retreat Camp David, where he will stay until the debate date for intense preparation.
Candidates often engage in mock debates, during which they can practice their responses by facing off against someone playing the role of their opponent.
This year, it’s uncertain who will play former President Trump during the president’s debate practice sessions. There is speculation that Bob Bauer, his personal lawyer, might reprise the role he played four years ago.
Regarding preparation, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, indicated that the former president is ready.
“President Trump takes on numerous tough interviews every single week and delivers lengthy rally speeches while standing, demonstrating elite stamina,” he said in a statement.
