The highly anticipated debate between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump is set to take place this week, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing rivalry. The stakes are high as the two presidents face off in an early confrontation before a nation that is deeply divided and angry.
For President Biden, the debate presents an opportunity to highlight the chaos of his predecessor’s leadership, his criminal convictions, and the potential dangers of a second term under Trump. On the other hand, Trump sees this as a chance to make his case that America has suffered under Biden’s leadership, becoming more expensive, weaker, and more dangerous.
Both men, the oldest candidates ever to compete in a presidential race, are preparing for a contentious showdown that could have lasting repercussions. A misstep during the debate could have significant consequences, given the long period until their next face-off in September.
The debate, hosted by CNN, will be simulcast on multiple networks without a live audience and without opening statements. Each candidate will have limited time to answer questions, with their microphones muted when it’s not their turn to speak.
While Biden has been preparing with formal debate sessions at Camp David, Trump is taking a looser approach but participating in more policy sessions than in 2020. Trump’s advisers hope he will focus on Biden’s vulnerabilities, such as inflation and immigration, without getting sidetracked by false claims about the 2020 election.
The event will be the first time voters see Biden and Trump in a direct exchange since their last debate in 2020. Much has changed since then, with the country facing a pandemic, economic uncertainty, and other challenges. Despite these changes, polls show little movement between the two candidates, with both being widely disliked by many voters.
The debate is seen as a crucial moment in the race, with the potential to impact the trajectory of both candidates. While some expect the debate to define the terrain of the contest, others believe it will be a starting point for the general election.
As the candidates prepare to face off, the nation watches with anticipation to see how the debate will unfold and what impact it will have on the race for the White House.
