Joe Biden and Donald Trump are scheduled to face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election on Thursday, June 27, at 9 pm ET. The debate, hosted by CNN, will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. CNN has emphasized that the moderators will “use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.” This debate marks a historic first, with a sitting president and a former president debating on stage, and it is the first debate appearance for both Biden and Trump since their two encounters in 2020.
As the debate approaches, here are eight key points to watch:
1. Trump’s Focus: Biden’s Record or Personal Grievances?
Trump is known for highlighting personal grievances, particularly around claims of fraud in the 2020 election. While these may resonate with his base, they might not appeal to a broader audience. Advisers have urged Trump to focus on issues such as the economy, crime, and inflation instead.
2. Biden’s Handling of Age Concerns
At 81, Biden has faced scrutiny for gaffes and moments of forgetfulness. Any slip-ups during the debate could be heavily criticized. Ideally, Biden will present himself as an experienced leader, but any missteps could fuel concerns about his age.
3. Trump’s Stance on Abortion
Trump, who appointed the justices that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, has had varied stances on abortion over the years. In the debate, he might either take a strong position, deflect questions, or argue that the issue should be left to individual states.
4. Scrutiny Over Inflation Under Biden
Biden has defended his administration’s economic record, emphasizing job creation and efforts to reduce inflation. However, critics argue that his claims about inflation are misleading. How this issue is addressed in the debate will be closely watched.
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5. Biden’s Comments on Trump and Democracy
Biden has frequently warned that democracy is at risk if Trump is re-elected, citing the January 6 Capitol riot as a key issue. The debate will give Biden a chance to directly challenge Trump on his views and actions regarding democracy and election integrity.
6. Biden’s Approach to Israel and Gaza
Biden is expected to discuss the conflict in Gaza and Israel, focusing on his administration’s handling of U.S.-Israel relations and his stance on recent developments. His comments will aim to address a diverse audience with varying opinions on the issue.
7. Foreign Policy Differences
Trump’s affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ambiguous stance on NATO aid to Ukraine contrast sharply with Biden’s strong support for Ukraine and NATO. The debate will highlight these differing foreign policy approaches.
8. Border and Immigration Policies
Immigration is a significant issue for Trump and the Republican campaign. Trump advocates for stringent measures to remove gang members and drug dealers. Biden, criticized for recent crimes by illegal immigrants, is likely to portray Trump’s policies as extreme and emphasize his own more moderate approach.
The debate promises to be a critical moment in the 2024 election campaign, providing a platform for both candidates to address these key issues and sway undecided voters.
