58 minutes ago
By Anthony Zurcher, @awzurcher, Senior North America reporter, in Atlanta
BBC
When Donald Trump and Joe Biden face off on the debate stage on Thursday night, it will be a tense reunion. The animosity between the two men is palpable, with Trump never formally conceding the 2020 election to President Biden and breaking tradition by skipping his opponent’s inauguration following the Capitol riots.
This debate marks the first time in this election cycle that millions of Americans will be closely watching. The stakes are high, and the tension between the two candidates is sure to be elevated as they vie for the support of US voters in November.
Thursday’s debate also signifies the first time Trump and Biden have shared a stage since their acrimonious debates in 2020. Both men are out of practice, with neither having participated in a debate in nearly four years. The absence of a live audience and muted microphones for candidates during their opponent’s speaking time may prevent the chaos that characterized their previous encounter.
Expectations are low for Biden, with conservative commentators portraying him as senile and infirm. On the other hand, Trump’s campaign has raised doubts about CNN’s impartiality and spread rumors of Biden using “performance-enhancing drugs.” Both candidates have the opportunity to defy expectations and sway public opinion in their favor during the debate.
The issues at hand, including the economy, immigration, healthcare, and the environment, will be crucial in determining the winner of the debate. Biden will aim to convince voters of his ability to address key concerns, while Trump will defend his record and attack Biden’s policies.
Personal attacks are also expected, with Trump’s recent criminal conviction and Hunter Biden’s legal troubles likely to be brought up. The outcome of the debate could set the tone for the rest of the campaign, shaping public perception of the candidates and defining the key issues leading up to the November election.