WATCH: At the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle, the candidates play by their own rules
Back in 2020, President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump faced off in a debate that drew over 70 million viewers. Last night in Atlanta, they met face to face once again, this time for a history-making debate.
Not only is it the first-ever debate between a sitting president and former president, but it is the earliest that a debate has been held in modern history – several months earlier than the usual timing for presidential debates. This debate also takes place less than a month after Trump’s conviction in a hush money court case held in New York City.
For this debate, Biden and Trump break with tradition, and are playing by their own rules that the two campaigns mutually agreed on. The guidelines include no opening statements, standing at a podium, excluding pre-written notes on stage, and utilizing a mechanism for muting microphones except for the candidate who is speaking. They are also straying from the traditional debate format by not including a live audience.
The two squared off over their differences on several issues facing the country like immigration, foreign policy, abortion and even the issue of both of their ages – Trump is 78 and Biden is 81.
Thursday’s debate in Atlanta was the first of two presidential debates that are set prior to election day in November. The second presidential debate will take place on Sept. 10 and will be hosted by ABC News.
How to Watch:
The first presidential debate was at 9 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 27. The debate was moderated by CNN “State of the Union” anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta.
PBS simulcasted CNN’s debate. Check your local PBS listings to tune in to the live broadcast, or watch the debate online via the player below:
More from PBS:
Prepare for CNN’s Biden-Trump debate with these key facts
How to watch the 1st Biden-Trump presidential debate
