On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and US President Donald Trump will square off in the much-awaited presidential debate. This discussion, the first of two planned televised face-offs, might be crucial in the hotly fought presidential election. Here is everything you want on the debates, including when and where to watch them, the moderators, and what to anticipate.

When Do the Debates Take Place?

The first debate is slated to run on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Friday). It will differ significantly from conventional debate venues because it will be streamed live from an Atlanta studio without a live audience. CNN affiliates will be able to watch the event in addition to CNN. It will be broadcast on additional US networks and available on CNN.com for those without cable.

This presidential debate is the first in modern American history, occurring almost four months before the election on November 5. The second presidential debate will take place on September 10 from a studio with no audience, according to an announcement from ABC.

Who Will Lead the Discussion Moderation?

The first discussion will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, anchors for CNN. David Muir and Linsey Davis, anchors for ABC, will serve as moderators for the second debate.

Who Is Going to Debate?

The only two candidates that could debate on CNN were Biden and Trump. Being on enough state ballots to possibly win the presidency and scoring at least 15% in four different national surveys of probable or registered voters are among the requirements. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent running for president, does not fit these requirements and will not take part.

Similar rules will apply to ABC’s debate; contestants must appear on enough state ballots to acquire the 270 electoral votes needed to win and must score at least 15% in four different national surveys.

What Guidelines Exist?

Candidates will take the stage at identical podiums for the ninety-minute discussion on Thursday. They will also be given pens, paper, and water bottles. They are not going to be permitted to utilize notes or props. CNN reports that moderators will employ every resource at their disposal to maintain order and foster a polite conversation, except the candidate who is given the floor. Trump will have the last say, decided by a coin flip, while Biden will be positioned on the right side of viewers’ screens. There won’t be a studio audience during the two commercial breaks, and campaign personnel won’t be permitted to speak with the candidates.

The guidelines for ABC’s discussion have not yet been made public.

Things to Look Out for

Tens of millions of people watch the US presidential debates every year, and they have traditionally impacted the outcome of political contests. At 81 and 78 years old, respectively, Biden and Trump are the oldest presidential contenders ever, and they each confront particular challenges this year. Audiences can examine their mental faculties and emotional stability.

Biden’s team feels the debates might reveal Trump’s inconsistency and erratic views on subjects like abortion, while Trump’s camp views Biden as prone to linguistic errors that could draw attention to worries about his age. While Trump’s campaign intends to talk about immigration, Biden’s team wants to concentrate on abortion; in the end, CNN moderators will determine the subjects. High food costs, difficulties with immigration, and continuing geopolitical crises like the battles between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas are likely topics of discussion. The discussion may also cover Trump’s role in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, his attempts to rig the 2020 election and his conviction on 34 criminal counts about a hush money scam. In a similar vein, Biden’s son Hunter may face legal challenges.

Who Is Going to Be There?

There will be campaign personnel available to talk with reporters in the “spin room” following the debate. While the president’s guest list has not been verified by the Biden campaign, California Governor Gavin Newsom is anticipated to be present. Potential Republican vice presidential candidates including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance, and other notable visitors are attending an Atlanta watch party being thrown by Trump’s team.

What took place the last time?

Biden and Trump squared off again in the 2020 election. According to Nielsen Media Research, the first debate attracted over 73 million people despite being characterized by tumultuous exchanges and interruptions. To provide each contender with undisturbed speaking time for the second debate, moderators instituted a rule that required them to quiet their microphones. However, because the contestants acted more politely, this precaution was not necessary. After Trump refused to take part in a virtual event and tested positive for COVID-19, a third debate was postponed.

Is It Correct?

There are usually three presidential debates; however, this cycle’s third debate has not yet been confirmed. Vice President Kamala Harris has agreed to participate in a vice presidential debate that CBS News is hosting. The debate is slated to take place on July 23 or August 13.

The 2024 presidential contest is expected to be dramatically different after the next debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. These debates, which will have a large audience and high stakes, will provide voters a vital chance to evaluate the candidates’ temperaments, programs, and suitability to govern the country. As the contest for the White House intensifies, make sure not to miss these important occasions.