Biden, Trump Gear Up For Faceoff, First In Four Years

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Ahmad Al-Mazyad
WASHINGTON, June 27 (KUNA) -- For the first time in four years, current US president, democrat Joe Biden, and former Republican president Donald trump come face-to-face late on Thursday in high stakes and much anticipated presidential debate.
The two are poised to present the public with their visions and positions on an array of issues concerning the American voter, in an attempt to determine which way their votes swing.
The 90-minute debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta, is considered a monumental faceoff of unique status. It takes place prior to general conference of both parties and the announcement of their candidates, as it will also be revealing the drastic difference between the two in their model of administration.
Biden's first challenge to conquer lies in convincing the American public of his ability to perform his presidential duties, for should he win his second term, he will be the oldest US President at 82 years old.
Despite Trump's 78 years of age, habit of voicing his lack of faith in the current president's capacities aiming to persuade Americans of his suitability to lead the country in these trying times, age difference between the two is not that drastic.
However, the former president is weighed down by a number of criminal court convictions, accusations of hampering 2020 election results, and his supposed role in the Capitol attack of January 6.
A few days ago, Biden and his advisors headed to Camp David presidential retreat to prepare for the debate while Trump busied himself with political arguments prior to the main event that would shape the last few months of the race to the White House.
Biden wades through a wave of dissatisfaction from the American public brought about by the way he dealt with issues of migration, inflation, and war on Gaza. The incumbent president sets out to clarify his position and convince voters of his staying in office.
Latest polls indicate that Trump is taking lead by minor difference and is aiming to fortify his popularity, while Biden on the other hand is seeking to influence unsure voters via highlighting his policies that have bettered employment rates, and decreased inflation rates, as well as his plans of enhancing economy.
Trump's progression in six decisive states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada, according to opinion polls by Emerson college, is pushing his opponent to delve into a number of issues relating to freedoms in an attempt to garner the swaying support of these states.
Ipsos polls told that American voters view Trump as better option for improving the economy, while Biden is the option for democracy's sake. These varying results reflect the extreme competiveness between the two.
Complex local issues of migration, healthcare, taxes, and border control are expected to be presiding themes during the debate with Trump trying to undermine Biden and exposing flaws and weaknesses of his administration.
The American foreign policy will also be present, despite it not necessarily being a priority to American voters, with issues of the war on Gaza Strip, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, relations with China and pacific countries on the table.
This debate is taking place less than a month after Trump was convicted of 34 crimes in New York, becoming the first American president to be indicted in history. In a similar vein, Biden's son, Hunter Biden had been found guilty of arms possession in the state of Delaware and is to face charges of tax evasion in September.
Each candidate is allocated two minutes to answer a one-minute question proposed by counterpart, the questioner will have a minute to reply and refute.
Debate organizers have the right to decide on granting more time, as well as silencing microphones to ensure that each candidate has the opportunity to speak freely without interruptions or straying off course.
The two are expected to be officially nominated by their parties, as they are both considered the most prominent candidates in the 2024 race. (end)
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