Biden and Trump Gear Up for First Debate Ahead of U.S. Presidential Election

The stage is set for President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump to face off in their inaugural debate on Thursday, June 27, marking the commencement of two pivotal debates preceding the fiercely contested U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5.

During the 90-minute debate, both candidates will tackle critical issues including immigration, inflation, abortion rights, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, aiming to sway undecided voters with clear articulation of their positions.

Age will be a focal point as Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, become the oldest candidates in U.S. presidential history, prompting scrutiny over their physical and mental fitness. Political strategist Rina Shah underscored the need for both candidates to demonstrate “strength, vigor, vitality,” as voters assess their performance closely.

Democrats have recently criticized viral videos from conservative media depicting Biden as hesitant or disoriented, making the debate a crucial opportunity for Biden to counter such portrayals. Kyle Kondik from Sabato’s Crystal Ball noted that while Biden isn’t known for his oratory skills, low expectations might work in his favor if he exceeds them.

For Trump, this debate marks his third presidential bid, necessitating a clear delineation of his policy stances after his 2017-2021 tenure and defeat to Biden in 2020. Georgetown University’s associate professor of government, Hans Noel, pointed out Trump’s tendency to avoid detailed policy questions, contrasting with Biden’s more nuanced approach.

Concerns about Trump’s potential conservative agenda have grown, highlighted by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 proposals, which include significant governmental reforms. Rina Shah cautioned against these proposals, warning of their potential impact on American society.

In response, the Biden administration has moved to bolster federal job protections to safeguard against potential administrative overhauls by a new administration. With the election just over four months away, both candidates face pressure to deliver impactful performances in the first debate to gain campaign momentum.