How to watch Biden and Trump’s first debate
Welcome to the highly anticipated first presidential debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election cycle. With national polls showing the two candidates in a neck-and-neck race, the stakes are high as they face off on Thursday.
The debate, hosted by CNN, is set to take place on Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) and will also be simulcast on CBS. The event is expected to run for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, all happening at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta. Moderating the debate will be CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, both experienced in presiding over presidential debates.
One notable aspect of this debate is the absence of a studio audience, ensuring that the candidates won’t face interruptions from anyone other than each other or the moderators. This setup also allows TV viewers to judge the candidates based on their performance alone, free from external reactions.
CNN has announced that microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, a strategic move to minimize interruptions and maintain a structured debate environment.
Leading up to the debate, President Biden has been at Camp David with his team, focusing on debate preparation. In contrast, former President Trump, free from the responsibilities of the Oval Office, has been holding rallies, including one in Racine, Wisconsin.
Despite Trump’s recent criminal conviction on multiple counts in Manhattan, including falsifying business records, national polls show the candidates in a close race. Most likely voters seem unfazed by Trump’s legal troubles, prioritizing issues like inflation and border security in their decision-making process.
The Biden campaign has launched a new TV ad emphasizing Trump’s status as a “convicted felon,” signaling a key point of attack heading into the debate.
For viewers, Thursday’s debate may evoke memories of the 2020 debates, albeit with less physical distancing than during the pandemic. The last time Biden and Trump shared a stage was during the September 29, 2020, presidential debate, after which Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
Be sure to catch the debate on CBS television stations and CBS News streaming, where CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell will lead a special report with analysis from political correspondents and analysts.
For those wondering how to watch the first presidential debate, here are the details:
What: President Biden and former President Donald Trump debate
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: Debate begins at 9 p.m. ET, coverage and analysis start at 5 p.m. ET on CBS News 24/7
Location: CNN studios in Atlanta
On TV: CNN (cable) and simulcast on CBS television stations
Online stream: Live on CBS News 24/7 and on mobile or streaming devices
Follow live updates: On CBSNews.com
Don’t miss this crucial event shaping the 2024 presidential election cycle as President Biden and former President Trump go head-to-head in their first debate.
