Pressing issues in the spotlight ahead of first Presidential Debate

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - In an unprecedented election year, the debate schedule is also taking on a new look. The first presidential debate is slated for Wednesday in Atlanta between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

With the general election over four months away the likely nominees agreed to a first debate early in the election season. They will be forced to address policy currently in the American spotlight, but the pressing issues, and the candidates’ positions, could change by November.

Themes foreign and domestic are expected during the CNN-produced showdown. Just the two men on stage, no audience to boost or boo, no ability to ramble or interrupt with strict control over the microphones. Todd Belt, a political expert from George Washington University says while it is early, there is always a chance at a lasting, memorable moment.

“That zinger or memorable line that will get replayed over and over again,” said Belt.

Belt says the candidates need to be prepared for a wide array of topics, such as the state of the economy, immigration, foreign wars in Gaza and Ukraine, reproductive rights, the legal woes facing both Trump and Biden’s family, and a concern on many Americans’ minds, their respective ages.

“The type of question we would get is, “Are you up to the task?” And if the candidates don’t get it from the moderators, they will certainly address it to one another. And i think this is really the big thing - a lot of people are tired of these older candidates, tired of the fact that they have the same choice,” said Belt.

With months until voters make that choice, Belt says the candidates can learn from their first performance, taking stock of what worked and what did not.

“The debate being this early is really going to help the candidates craft their message and stay on message with something they think is going to work to their advantage throughout the campaign,” said Belt.

This is one of two presidential debates currently on the calendar. The next one slated for September 10.

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