Trump and Biden set for historic debate showdown in Atlanta, age and issues take center stage

Thursday’s debate is expected to be a defining moment in the campaign, with high stakes for both candidates.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set for a historic showdown on Thursday (June 27) in Atlanta, marking the first presidential debate in US history between a sitting president and a former president. This eagerly anticipated debate, hosted by CNN at 9 p.m. EST (6 am IST, June 28), is expected to be a pivotal moment for the 2024 election cycle, with the two oldest candidates ever to compete for the US presidency, Biden at 81 and Trump at 78, addressing a host of pressing issues.

Biden and Trump will tackle starkly opposing views on immigration, abortion, and the ongoing war in Gaza. The debate, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will last 90 minutes with only two commercial breaks, and viewers can watch it live on CNN, Fox News, ABC, or stream it on CNN.com, Max, Hulu, and Yahoo News.

Age and mental fitness are expected to be central themes, with Trump’s campaign poised to highlight Biden’s verbal slip-ups and moments of confusion, raising concerns about his cognitive health. Meanwhile, Biden’s team sees the debate as an opportunity to underscore Trump’s volatility and controversial positions, including his role in the January 6 Capitol attack and his recent legal troubles.

Polls show a mixed landscape: a Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals voters see Trump as stronger on the economy and immigration, while Biden is favored for his approach to democracy and healthcare. Trump leads Biden 43% to 37% on the economy, and 44% to 31% on immigration, reflecting voter concerns over rising consumer prices and the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border. However, Biden edges out Trump on handling political extremism and healthcare, with registered voters preferring his policies 40% to 29%.

Thursday’s debate is expected to be a defining moment in the campaign, with high stakes for both candidates. Biden's approval rating has slightly improved, rising to 37% from a low of 36% in May. However, voter concerns over his age and party dissatisfaction with his stance on Israel could pose significant challenges.

Adding to the drama, California Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to join Biden's team at the debate, though no official announcement has been made. Trump's campaign, meanwhile, is hosting a watch party in Atlanta, featuring rumored Republican vice-presidential hopefuls like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senators Marco Rubio and JD Vance.

Traditionally, there are three presidential debates, but no third Trump-Biden matchup has been announced. Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted a CBS News invitation for a vice-presidential debate, tentatively set for July 23 or August 13.