Payam Javan: All eyes are on Thursday night’s highly anticipated debate in Atlanta, where President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off for the first debate of the 2024 general election. This event marks their first appearance together in four years and is expected to be a pivotal moment in the presidential race. Given that Biden is 81 and Trump is 78, their energy, appearance, and reactions will be under intense scrutiny, making this debate more of a stage performance than a traditional political discussion.

The debate, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will be aired live on CNN at 21:00 EST on June 27. It will also be broadcast on other networks, including NTD TV, and The Epoch Times will provide live blog coverage. Lasting 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, the debate will feature strict rules, including no live audience, muted microphones when not speaking, and no props or prewritten notes. The unique format aims to ensure a focused and uninterrupted exchange between the candidates.

Trump will likely focus on issues such as illegal immigration, inflation, and recent global conflicts, aiming to portray Biden as responsible for these problems. Both candidates’ performances will be closely watched, especially Biden’s ability to address concerns about his age and cognitive abilities, and Trump’s handling of the moderators, whom he has previously criticized for bias. The outcome of this debate could significantly influence public opinion as the 2024 election approaches.