Joe Biden vs Donald Trump: What to expect from the first presidential debate

The first presidential debate in the United States, set to air on Thursday (June 27), marks a significant event in the campaign season. The debate is occurring months earlier than usual and with new rules such as no live audience.

Hosted by CNN, it will see Democrat President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump face off for the first time in this campaign season.

Issues of the economy, inflation, and immigration are expected to be prominent at the event. Foreign policy questions, prominently those surrounding China, Ukraine, and Israel’s conflict in Gaza are also expected to be brought up.

We take a detailed look at the key topics expected to dominate the debate stage.

Legal dramas on display

The debate will undoubtedly address the recent legal issues surrounding both candidates. Trump, recently found guilty of 34 criminal charges in New York, stands as the first US president to be convicted of felony crimes. This development provides a significant talking point for Biden, who is likely to paint Trump as an immoral and untrustworthy figure.

On the other side, Trump is expected to counter by bringing up the legal troubles of Biden’s son, Hunter, who was convicted on felony gun charges in Delaware and faces another trial for tax-related issues. It is crucial to note that while both are embroiled in legal battles, only Trump is a candidate in this election, not Hunter Biden.

Age and fitness for office

Age and mental acuity are expected to be prominent themes, especially given the candidates’ advanced ages. Trump, at 78, has persistently questioned Biden’s fitness for office, pointing to the president’s gaffes and mistakes.

Trump has even suggested that Biden take a cognitive test, although he himself has made notable errors in his speeches, including misidentifying the doctor who administered his own cognitive exam. Biden, now 81, will need to address these concerns head-on, defending his capability to serve a second term despite his age.

The abortion rights debate

Abortion is a critical issue where Biden is likely to go on the offensive. Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, leading to widespread abortion restrictions across the country.

While Trump has stated he would not support a national abortion ban if reelected, his role in the reversal of Roe v. Wade will be a significant point of contention. Biden’s pro-choice stance offers a stark contrast, and he is expected to use this to highlight what he sees as Trump’s detrimental impact on women’s rights.

Foreign policy issues

While the debate will primarily focus on domestic issues, foreign policy will also be on the agenda. Expect brief mentions of key topics such as the US’s stance on China, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and broader international relations. Each candidate will aim to demonstrate their competence in handling the complex global landscape.

Inflation and employment concerns

Economic issues, particularly inflation and employment, will be central to the debate. According to a Pew Research report that came out last month, 62 per cent of Americans view inflation as a major problem. Trump will likely highlight the economic challenges that arose during Biden’s tenure, such as inflation and supply chain issues.

In contrast, Biden can point to the 15.2 million jobs added under his administration and near-record-low unemployment rates. Both candidates will need to present compelling arguments on how they plan to manage the economy moving forward.

Immigration policy

Immigration is another area where Trump is expected to heavily criticize Biden. The Biden administration has faced significant challenges in managing immigration at the US-Mexico border, a point that Trump will likely exploit to question Biden’s effectiveness. Trump’s hardline stance on immigration remains a central theme of his campaign, and he will use this opportunity to draw a sharp contrast between his policies and those of the current administration.

Moderators and format

The debate will be moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, who are known for their rigorous journalism. They are expected to challenge both candidates on their policies and past statements, ensuring a dynamic and informative discussion. The absence of a live audience may change the debate’s dynamic, focusing more on substantive exchanges rather than crowd reactions.

With inputs from agencies