Atlanta is hosting tonight’s presidential debate.
Welcome to the heart of the political battlefield – Atlanta, Georgia! As President Biden and former President Donald Trump gear up for a showdown on CNN’s historic Techwood campus studio stage, all eyes are on the Peach State.
Representative Hank Johnson, a Democrat representing the eastern Atlanta metro and suburbs, expressed the high stakes of this crucial moment: “To have this debate in Atlanta will help drive turnout for this very crucial and extremely high-stakes election.”
Georgia has emerged as a pivotal battleground with its 16 electoral votes, drawing attention due to its explosive growth and increasingly diverse population. The state witnessed a political rollercoaster, with Trump winning by 5 percentage points in 2016, only to be flipped by Biden in 2020 with a narrow margin of roughly 12,000 votes.
The current scenario paints a different picture, with Trump leading Biden by 51% to 48% in Georgia, according to a recent CBS News battleground poll conducted earlier this year. Issues like inflation, especially impacting rural Georgia, have grabbed attention among voters, as noted by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Both campaigns have flooded the capital with a flurry of activities, from voter outreach to press conferences, ads, surrogates, and debate watch parties. The Biden-Harris campaign organized over 1,600 events across battleground states, engaging with key figures from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
The Trump campaign strategically targeted outreach to Black voters, with representatives like Congressman Byron Donalds and Congressman Wesley Hunt engaging in community spaces like barber shops and cigar lounges. RNC leaders also made appearances in Atlanta’s northern suburbs to discuss election integrity.
Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted the significance of the South receiving more political attention, making a two-hour drive from neighboring South Carolina to attend the debate. He emphasized the importance of focusing on Biden’s capabilities and the right track for the nation.
A CBS News poll revealed that likely Republican voters want Trump to be “more polite” during the debate, contrasting with Democratic voters who seek a “more forceful” approach from Biden. The majority of viewers tuning in are eager to hear about the candidates’ plans and policies, emphasizing the need for a clear contrast.
Key figures from the Biden camp, like Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester and Sen. Chris Coons, stress the importance of showcasing a compassionate, balanced, and insightful leadership style. Reflecting on the chaotic 2020 debate, Coons hopes for a more civil and substantive discussion this time around.
Both candidates have been immersed in preparation sessions, with Biden seeking advice from leading experts and Trump engaging in policy discussions with GOP lawmakers. Senator Tim Kaine, offering a word of caution to Republicans underestimating Biden’s performance, urged Biden to highlight the positive economic news during the debate.
As the stage is set for a riveting showdown, Atlanta emerges as the focal point of the political drama, capturing the essence of a nation on the brink of a defining moment. Stay tuned as President Biden and former President Trump engage in a battle of wit, policy, and leadership – all under the watchful eyes of the nation.
