With just one week until the first debate of the 2024 presidential election, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have different strategies for approaching the debate stage.
President Biden will be surrounded by senior advisers in preparation for the debate, while Trump’s campaign seems to be downplaying the importance of preparation for the upcoming meeting in Atlanta.
In the lead-up to the debate, President Biden will be at Camp David, a retreat where he has spent holidays, hosted meetings with foreign leaders, and prepared for important speeches like the State of the Union Address.
The debate preparation for President Biden will be overseen by senior campaign aides and longtime advisers, led by former White House chief of staff Ron Klain. Due to President Biden’s responsibilities as president, there is limited time for debate preparation, with focus on immediate preparations.
Prior to the debate, the Biden-Harris campaign has intensified criticism of Trump on various issues, including abortion, the events of January 6, democracy, the economy, and Trump’s recent legal troubles.
President Biden plans to address Trump’s record and statements on the debate stage, focusing on topics like reproductive rights, political violence, threats to democracy, and tax policies.
The debate is expected to be characterized by President Biden’s assertive approach in contrast to Trump, who will need to balance different personas during the debate, as noted by former deputy communications director Bill Russo.
On the other hand, Trump has been engaging in policy sessions and public appearances in the lead-up to the debate, downplaying the need for extensive preparation.
Both campaigns are working on preparations for the debate, with an emphasis on managing expectations and delivering strong performances.
The CNN-hosted debate on June 27 will feature unique rules, including no studio audience, muted microphones, and no use of notes, setting the stage for a policy-focused discussion.
As the debate approaches, both President Biden and Trump are focusing on key issues and seeking to present themselves in a favorable light to voters.
Third-party candidates will not be participating in the debate, with CNN’s criteria for participation including polling thresholds and ballot access requirements.
With the race between President Biden and Trump remaining close, the upcoming debate in Atlanta will set the stage for future debates leading up to the 2024 election.
The second debate is scheduled to be hosted by ABC News on September 10.
