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Politics

Trump vs Biden: What you need to know before today’s presidential debate

The US Presidential debate takes place at 11am today (AEST). Here’s where to watch the event and some prominent points to look out for.

US President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will square off today in what marks the first of three debates before the November presidential election. You can tune into the livestream on any major news network or even watch it on Youtube.

So far, Democratic candidate Biden has kept a slight lead ahead of the Republican President in the national opinion polls. However, this highly anticipated first debate is set to distinguish the pair from one another and could potentially shake up the predicted results.

presidential debate Trump v biden

The 2020 election is unlike any other, with the coronavirus pandemic placing restrictions on every aspect of the process, including voting procedures and the debates. This first debate will take place at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, facing an audience of approximately 70 people. The two candidates will not shake hands to maintain social distancing measures.

The debate will air for 90 minutes, with the two facing off in 15-minute intervals. Fox News anchor Chris Wallace will be introducing the topics and moderating the debate. So, what sort of themes will be brought up? Expect to see some heated discussions surrounding:

  • A replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg‘s seat in the Supreme Court, following her passing.
  • The coronavirus pandemic. With the nation leading the global death rate, at over 200,000 fatalities, and increasing controversy surrounding Trump’s approach to the virus, Biden is sure to be front and centre on the attack.
  • Racial violence, in light of the Black Lives Matter protests and the nation’s disturbing history of police brutality. This topic will be a prominent feature in the debate.
  • The recent controversy and claims of Trump’s tax evasion.

President Trump has always been a showman, taking debates in his stride. Biden, however, has stated that he wishes to avoid inflammatory provocations if they are not central to his own message. “I hope I don’t get baited into getting into a brawl,” Biden stated earlier this month.

Follow the Twitter hashtag #PresidentialDebate2020 to keep up with the tea.