Nielsen ratings or official viewership statistics from CNN

Biden and Trump to Face Off in 90-Minute Presidential Debate Tonight: Trump 58%, Biden 42%

Jun 27, 2024, 05:30 PM

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season tonight. The 90-minute debate, which will be held in Atlanta and moderated by CNN, marks the first time the two have debated since the 2020 election. Both candidates have been preparing extensively, with Biden spending time at Camp David and Trump sharing a Fox News sketch mocking Biden with a pretend sleep aid called 'Bidenica'. The debate is expected to be crucial for both campaigns, with many Americans planning to watch. Trump has vowed not to underestimate Biden, while Republicans have questioned Biden’s cognitive abilities, suggesting he take a drug test. The debate will also see new rules, including no live audience and microphone cut-offs to reduce interruptions. Polls show a tight race, with Trump slightly ahead at 58% and Biden at 42%. The debate will be broadcast live on CNN at 9 p.m. EST.