The upcoming presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is set to take place on Thursday, June 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. This debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta, will be the earliest face-off in modern U.S. history, as debates usually happen after the summer political conventions. While presidential debates typically attract a large audience, it is uncertain how many viewers this debate will draw, given that both Biden and Trump are considered to be among the most disliked presidential candidates in history.
Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not be participating in the CNN debate, as he did not meet the required 15% threshold in national polls. Currently, Kennedy is polling at 9.8%, while Biden and Trump are in a close race at 40.7% and 40.5% respectively. The last third-party candidate to significantly impact the final vote was Ross Perot in 1992, illustrating the challenges faced by third-party candidates in American presidential elections.
For those looking to watch the debate, there are various options available, including livestreams on YouTube and websites like CNN.com. Traditional cable channels such as CNN, Fox News, and ABC will also be broadcasting the debate. This debate will be the first since 1988 not hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, as CNN is taking the lead this time. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns opted out of using the Commission for different reasons, with Biden wanting an earlier debate and Trump’s campaign preferring a different approach.
As for Trump’s vice presidential candidate, speculations are rife, with NBC’s Meet the Press suggesting that the choices are down to Sen. Mark Rubio of Florida, Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio. The second debate, hosted by ABC, is scheduled for September 10 and will also not involve the Commission on Presidential Debates. Voting day for the presidential election is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
In conclusion, the upcoming debate between Trump and Biden promises to be a significant event in the lead-up to the presidential election. With both candidates facing challenges and uncertainties, the debate will provide voters with valuable insights into their policies and positions on key issues. Stay tuned for more updates on the presidential race and the debates to come.
