One Thing: Backstage Before the CNN Presidential Debate
Jun 26, 2024
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David Chalian, CNN's Political Director, gives an inside look at the upcoming CNN Presidential Debate where President Biden and former President Trump will face off. The episode explores the debate studio in Georgia, voter expectations, and the historical significance of this early election clash.
The debate format for President Biden and former President Trump emphasizes direct candidate-moderator exchange.
The absence of a studio audience in the upcoming debate may impact voter perceptions and campaign strategies.
Deep dives
Historical Evolution of Presidential Debates
Presidential debates have evolved over time, from the first televised debate in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon held in a TV studio to the current larger-scale events organized by the Nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. President Joe Biden's preference for a more intimate debate setting without an audience highlights a departure from the usual format, emphasizing a direct exchange between the candidates and moderators.
Debate Format and Ground Rules
The upcoming debate between President Biden and former President Trump follows specific ground rules, including a 90-minute time frame where each candidate responds to questions with designated speaking times. Moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will facilitate the structured debate format, allowing for a focused discussion on key issues important to American voters.
Importance and Impact of the Debate
The debate between President Biden and former President Trump holds significance as a rare encounter between a sitting and former president and a crucial moment in the presidential campaign calendar. Despite the stability of the race, the evolving contexts since the last debate and the absence of a studio audience bring a different dynamic to the event, potentially impacting voter perceptions and campaign strategies.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will debate each other live on CNN, the earliest general election debate in US history. The debate is being held at a CNN studio in the key swing state of Georgia, which helped deliver the presidency to Biden in 2020. In this episode, we go inside the debate studio to preview the event and hear from Atlanta-area voters about what they want to hear from the candidates (if they'll even be watching).