Trump-Biden's historic presidential debate: When will it happen, what's on agenda & why it matters

The high-octane debate will feature Biden, at 81, and Trump, at 78 - the two oldest candidates ever to compete for the US presidency - discussing a range of pressing issues.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off in a historic US presidential debate on June 28, potentially marking a crucial moment in the 2024 race as millions of voters tune in. The stage is set for a significant clash between the oldest-ever incumbent and a convicted felon, initiating what promises to be a tumultuous summer of campaigning in a deeply divided United States, still reeling from the chaos and violence of the 2020 election.

This highly anticipated debate, hosted by CNN at 9 pm EST (6 am IST, June 28), is set to be a critical moment in the 2024 election cycle. It will feature Biden, at 81, and Trump, at 78 - the two oldest candidates ever to compete for the US presidency - discussing a range of pressing issues.

With only two debates scheduled for this election cycle, the June 28 high-stakes event holds heightened importance. Both candidates have intensified their personal attacks as national polls show them running neck and neck.

Opinion polls show President Biden and former President Trump are neck and neck in a tight race that experts believe could be decided by a few key swing states.

Also Read | US presidential debates over the years: gaffes, chaos, scandals

Moneycontrol outlines the key highlights of this debate and its impact on the campaign:

Participants

Biden, the Democratic incumbent, and Trump, his Republican challenger, will face each other for the first time in the 2024 election cycle, following their last debate on October 22, 2020.

Participation Criteria

Candidates needed to meet CNN's criteria, including appearing on enough state ballots to potentially secure the Electoral College threshold and achieving at least 15 percent support in four separate national polls of registered and likely voters.

Moderators

Anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash from CNN will be hosting the debate.

Significance of presidential debates

Televised debates in US presidential elections carry varying degrees of significance. While many voters make up their minds before November, debates can sway undecided voters. A Pew Research Center poll in 2016 showed that 63 percent of voters found debates somewhat or very helpful in deciding whom to support.

Also Read | Biden-Trump Debate: Whose economy would be better for middle class?

Debate Timing

Biden's campaign pushed for earlier debates to reach voters before early voting begins, departing from the traditional September and October schedule set by the Commission on Presidential Debates since 1988.

Expected Topics

Key topics will include the US economy, immigration, public safety, reproductive rights, and foreign policy issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, US support for Ukraine, and relations with China.

Furthermore, the state of US democratic institutions, particularly in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, is poised to feature prominently. Biden may also raise Trump's legal troubles, including his recent conviction on falsifying business records and impending criminal indictments, although this tactic carries risks of appearing overly aggressive.

Viewer Engagement

Viewer turnout remains uncertain but historically substantial, influenced by public interest. Presidential debates often rank as the second most-watched programming after the Super Bowl in the US.

How to Watch

Viewers can watch on CNN channels, stream on CNN.com, or use the Max streaming platform in the US. Other major US networks are also expected to broadcast the event.

Next Debate

The next debate between Biden and Trump is scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC News.

The June 28 debate is poised to be a defining moment in the 2024 presidential race, shaping public perception and influencing voter decisions in what promises to be a closely contested election.