US President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump are set to face off in the first debate of the 2024 presidential election on Thursday night.
Millions of Americans are expected to tune into the 90-minute debate, which is being hosted by CNN in Atlanta.
It is one of just two debates between the two major contenders who have been polling closely for months.
“Neither candidate can afford to lose this first debate,” DW’s Washington correspondent Ines Pohl said.
Uniquely, the debate will be held without a studio audience, and with microphones that producers can switch off to stop the candidates speaking over one another.
The debate is also taking place unusually early, before either party holds their congress where they are all but certain to name Biden as their official presidential candidates.
What are the issues?
The sitting and former presidents are expected to clash on reproductive rights and illegal immigration, with the wars in Gaza and Ukraine also expected to come up.
The 81-year-old Biden faces speculation about his mental sharpness, and whether he will be able to guide the country amid multiple world crises.
Meanwhile, 78-year-old Trump will likely face questions about his recent felony conviction as he aims to convince millions of Americans that he is suitable to be president again.
“In normal election years, the winner is determined by their ability to convincingly sell their political agenda. This year people seem to be more focused on who will make the most mistakes and provide better fodder for internet memes,” Pohl said.
Trump enjoys a modest enthusiasm advantage compared to Biden.
According to a new AP-NORC poll, 6 in 10 Republicans are extremely or very satisfied with Trump, compared to about 4 in 10 Democrats who say they’re satisfied with Biden.
The latest Quinnipiac University poll also has Trump polling at 49% nationwide, compared to Biden’s 45%.
zc/ab (AP, AFP, Reuters)
