What to expect in the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump.

Welcome to the anticipated showdown between President Biden and former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential debate of the cycle. Set to take place at CNN’s Atlanta studios on Thursday evening, this debate is historic as it marks the first face-off between a sitting president and a former president in the 2024 race.

The swift organization of this debate last month came after Biden’s campaign expressed readiness to participate in two debates with his Republican opponent before the November election. And just like that, the stage was set for what promises to be an engaging debate between the two political heavyweights.

Unlike traditional matchups overseen by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, this debate is scheduled to play out without their involvement. The decision not to participate in commission-sponsored debates was attributed to concerns over the enforcement of rules during the 2020 debates.

As we look forward to Thursday’s 90-minute showdown, a few details have already surfaced about the debate structure. Moderated by anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the debate will be devoid of an audience to allow the candidates to focus on their responses. The absence of an audience will be supplemented by two commercial breaks where campaign staff cannot interact with the candidates.

Additionally, each candidate will have their microphone muted while the other is speaking, creating a focused platform for a civilized exchange of ideas. There are also no plans for opening statements, and both candidates will have two minutes to respond to questions that come their way.

In a reported coin toss win, Biden’s team secured the choice between closing arguments and stage position. Opting for the latter, the president is set to take the lectern on the right, leaving Trump to conclude the proceedings with his closing statements.

Preparations for this debate have been underway for both candidates. Biden has already begun informal sessions with advisors and top aides while gearing up for mock debates, where his personal attorney, Bob Bauer, is expected to portray Trump. Leading Biden’s prep team is Ron Klain, a longtime ally who has helped numerous Democratic candidates prepare for debates in the past.

The Biden campaign sees this debate as an opportunity to showcase the president’s accomplishments and plans for the future, contrasting them with the policies of the former president. On the other hand, Trump’s debate preparations have been more relaxed, consisting of private meetings with allies and appearances at rallies where he jokingly discussed his strategies for the debate.

Following the debate, both candidates have their sights set on campaign events in different states, aiming to energize their supporters and gain new ones. The upcoming debate is particularly early in the election cycle as it precedes the nominating conventions for both major political parties.

In order to qualify for this debate, candidates had to meet specific criteria including reaching at least 15% in national polls and having their names on enough state ballots to secure the required electoral votes for victory. With only Biden and Trump clearing these hurdles, the stage is set for a one-on-one debate.

As we await the clash of ideologies and policies between these two titans of American politics, the anticipation is palpable. Stay tuned for what promises to be a riveting and insightful debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump!