Joe Biden and Donald Trump are preparing for the first of two crucial debates, a key event in the 2024 US presidential election that could significantly influence the outcome.
The debate, set for Thursday, comes as both campaigns have ramped up their personal attacks.
Trump, expressing confidence, told Newsmax, “I think I have been preparing for it for my whole life… We’ll do very well.”
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Current polling indicates a tight race, with Trump holding a slight edge in crucial swing states.
The debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta, will see both candidates addressing concerns about their fitness for office.
Biden, 81, faces scrutiny over his mental acuity, with voters more often citing his age compared to Trump’s, despite Trump being just three years younger.
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Both have had public missteps, but Trump’s controversial rhetoric and numerous legal issues add to his challenges.
While Biden has been preparing in seclusion at Camp David, Trump has opted for more informal preparation, involving policy discussions and rally interactions.
His aides have advised him to highlight his strengths in economic and crime policies, whereas Biden aims to depict Trump as erratic and unfit for leadership.
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Biden’s campaign has released an ad accusing Trump of focusing on “revenge” rather than voter concerns, while the Democratic National Committee has erected billboards in Atlanta reminding voters of Trump’s criminal convictions.
DNC spokesperson Jackie Bush stated, “Come November, Georgians will head to the polls remembering that President Biden looks out for them, while white-collar crook Donald Trump will only look out for himself.”
Trump’s campaign, which has frequently portrayed Biden as weak, has shifted its strategy, acknowledging that low expectations for Biden could backfire.
Senior Trump advisor Jason Miller commented, “We know that Joe Biden, that after taking an entire week off, will be ready for this.”
Trump has suggested, without evidence, that Biden may use performance-enhancing drugs and has accused CNN of bias.
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Miller noted that Trump will shine if “allowed” to present his vision for America without interference from CNN or the debate moderators.
Immigration remains a hot topic, with Trump promising mass deportations and highlighting crimes by undocumented migrants.
In response, Biden’s administration announced a significant drop in illegal crossings, potentially weakening Trump’s position.
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As both candidates prepare to clash on stage, the debate promises to be a defining moment in the race to the White House.
