Biden vs Trump, '90-Minute TV Debate' Soon to Start... The Key Is Whether There Will Be 'Mistakes'

In the upcoming November presidential election, U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who are set for a rematch, will face off in their first TV debate starting at 10 a.m. Korean time on the 28th. The 90-minute "bare-knuckle" debate, where they will go head-to-head armed only with a pen, paper, and a bottle of water?without an audience or prepared materials? is expected to be a crucial turning point in this extremely close U.S. election race. Ultimately, the key will be "who avoids making mistakes," experts predict.

The debate, hosted by CNN, will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, a major battleground state, at 9 p.m. local time on the 27th, which corresponds to 10 a.m. Korean time on the 28th, lasting about 90 minutes. Both President Biden and former President Trump have already arrived to participate in the TV debate, and local media including CNN are providing live updates on the atmosphere near the debate venue.

[Image source=Getty Images Yonhap News]

Looking at the TV Debate Rules...No Live Audience or Prepared Materials

This face-to-face debate between President Biden and former President Trump is their first in about four years since October 23, 2020. According to pre-agreed rules, they will take the stage with only a pen and paper for notes and a bottle of water. By coin toss, President Biden chose the right side of the screen. Former President Trump will stand on the left and has been granted the opportunity for closing remarks. The distance between the two is 8 feet.

There will be no live audience in the studio. Unlike previous campaign events, there will be no applause or boos in response to the candidates’ remarks. CNN explained that one of the biggest changes in this debate is the absence of a live audience. This means candidates cannot gauge voter reactions to their statements, and there is a risk of making slip-ups due to excitement during the debate.

Moreover, bringing pre-written notes or prepared materials is prohibited. Candidates will also be unable to communicate with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks in the debate. This debate is seen as an opportunity for the candidates, aged 81 and 78 respectively, to dispel concerns about their age and demonstrate cognitive ability and quick thinking.

Each candidate will have 2 minutes to answer the moderator’s questions. They will have 1 minute for rebuttals. The microphone will be muted when the other candidate is speaking. This rule was introduced after the 2020 debate, when former President Trump repeatedly interrupted President Biden, leading to a chaotic atmosphere with Biden telling Trump to "shut up." According to CNN, a light visible to the candidates will turn yellow when 15 seconds remain for their speaking time and will flash red during the last 5 seconds.

The Key is 'Who Avoids Making Mistakes'

Ultimately, the key will be "who avoids making mistakes." If 81-year-old President Biden, who faces age-related criticism, makes verbal slips or shows a significant loss of focus during the 90-minute debate, it will inevitably damage his support. Conversely, if he displays high energy throughout, as he did during the March State of the Union address, it could dispel concerns about his age.

Former President Trump is also not free from age-related criticism and verbal gaffes. Maintaining composure will be equally important for him. Local media pointed to the 2020 first TV debate, where Trump’s excitement in response to Biden’s attacks led to mistakes. Particularly, overly aggressive remarks that voters perceive as rude or unreasonable could be detrimental.

At the same time, attacks from both sides are likely to focus on exploiting each other’s weaknesses and causing the opponent to lose composure. CNN reported that Biden’s campaign has prepared for the possibility that Trump’s camp might mock or insult Biden’s family during the debate. Bloomberg also noted that Biden’s camp is likely searching for sharp remarks that could provoke the "real Trump" during the debate.

Major issues expected to be debated include judicial risks, the economy, immigration, abortion, and foreign policy including the Israel war. It remains to be seen whether President Biden will aggressively highlight judicial risks by labeling former President Trump, who was convicted in a so-called "sexual misconduct hush money" case, as a "felon." Biden’s campaign plans to launch paid advertising campaigns focusing on abortion, the January 6 Capitol riot, and Trump’s judicial risks. Meanwhile, former President Trump is expected to focus his attacks on rallying voters dissatisfied with economic and immigration policies. He also announced that his running mate will attend the debate.

According to polling tracking by The New York Times (NYT), the current average support rates for President Biden and former President Trump are 46% and 45%, respectively, indicating a close race within the margin of error. However, a recent Ipsos poll showed that when asked which candidate is more likely to win, expectations were higher for former President Trump.