The United States is preparing for the presidential elections to be held on November 5, 2024. Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who last faced off in the 2020 presidential election on October 22, 2020, will face off for the first time tonight (4:00 am CET) in the 2024 presidential election.
The two rivals will face off in a debate at CNN’s studios in downtown Atlanta.
There will be some firsts in the debate.
This year’s 90-minute debate will feature several firsts, including the first to be held without spectators since 1960, with only the speaker’s microphone remaining open at Biden’s request, a request he made to thwart any interference from Trump.
Biden and Trump will debate at the podium but will not be allowed to take pre-written notes; they will only be provided with a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water to take notes during the debate.
Biden won the coin toss that determined the candidates’ closing speech order, and therefore their podium positions, exercising his right to decide where on stage he would take part.
This will be the first time the candidates meet face-to-face at this early stage.
“It’s the first time the candidates have faced off so early in the November election. Biden, 81, has been preparing for the debate with advisers at Camp David, where presidents traditionally spend several days recuperating, while former President Donald Trump, 78, has spent a week campaigning.
The economy, immigration issues, personal issues…
During the debate, Biden and Trump are expected to discuss domestic issues such as the economy and immigration, foreign policy issues such as Ukraine and Gaza, as well as legal issues concerning themselves and their families, including their age, health and the safekeeping of classified documents.
Some information about Biden:
Age: 81
Political party: Democratic Party
Previous experience: Biden began his undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and earned his law degree from Syracuse University. He had a brief career in law and local government before being elected to the United States Senate in 1972, a position he held until becoming vice president under President Barack Obama in 2009. He is married to Jill Biden and has two children. His first wife and daughter died in a car accident in 1972, and his son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015.
Key campaign promises: Biden has set his second term as a continuation of his first, running on the slogan “Let’s get this done.” Biden has said he will protect abortion rights, intimidating some Republican lawmakers. Biden has said he will protect America’s image on the world stage and democracy at home if re-elected.
Some information about Trump:
Age: 78
Political party: Republican
Previous experience: Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics. Prior to his successful 2016 presidential run, Trump was a real estate mogul, businessman, and reality TV star hosting “The Apprentice.” He has five children and is married to Melania Trump.
Key campaign promises: Trump said that if he is re-elected, he would overhaul major branches of the federal government and cut social safety net programs. He also vowed to exact revenge on his political opponents and said he would appoint a special counsel to “monitor” Biden and his family.
