The first 2024 United States presidential debate is slated for Thursday, June 27, starting at 9 PM Eastern time. Home audiences will tune in to see the sitting president, Democrat Joe Biden, and former president, Republican Donald J. Trump, face off. A studio audience will be absent, likely creating less interruptions. Per debate rules established, there will also be no interruptions from staff or candidates. Nor will use of notes be permitted, according to a release from debate host CNN. And, when not speaking, microphones will be muted. These rules are said to encourage “a civilized discussion.”
Due to their presence in politics and the news, each candidate is generally well-known to the public. Voters are also largely aware of the frontrunners’ personalities and performance records, so many voters are already leaning to one side. Despite a format intended to prevent interruptions, expect that there will likely be some name-calling and hair-raising dialogue at this CNN hosted debate. Here are a few main reasons why voters should tune in!
It’s historic
The Biden-Trump presidential debate is an historic one, featuring the two oldest major-party candidates to run for U.S. president. Biden is sitting president whereas former president Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. It’s likely that one of these two men will serve as our next president. For undecided voters, there is a plethora of reasons why presidential debates matter. These political discussions project the vision of each leader and the direction in which they want to take the country. For voters who have already made up their minds, there’s no harm in watching. The debates can either seal your decision or shed a different light on who can best lead the nation.
Let’s touch upon a few more reasons to watch the debate:
- Voters can bypass mainstream media bias. These days, it’s hard to trust mainstream media to deliver the truth. They are supposed to be unbiased, however it’s no secret that they are largely anti-Trump. The former president supports capitalism and the growth of privately owned businesses. Due to prevailing anti-Trump sentiment among mainstream and liberal media, they attack Trump’s beliefs to push their own political agenda. For example, they paint an inaccurate and dark picture of capitalism as an economic system built on greed and inequality – when in truth free enterprise creates opportunities for success. Debates provide opportunities for voters to bypass mainstream media bias and hear directly from the candidates.
- Viewers can zero-in on each candidate’s beliefs. Biden is a self-described Catholic. Yet, he fails to “act Catholic” by refusing to protect and defend the lives of the unborn. In fact, he does the opposite by promoting public policies that allow for abortions – not strictly to save the life of the mother – but also as forms of birth control. This is at odds with the beliefs of the Catholic church which teaches that human life is precious and must be protected from the moment of conception. Biden endorses federal abortion rights. In comparison, Trump wants abortion legislation left to the states. Still, questions remain about what the candidates truly believe. To hear them set the record straight, one must watch the debate!
- Viewers can judge the intelligence levels of the candidates. Intelligence greatly affects job performance; thus, candidates must be at the top of their game. Viewers want to know if the frontrunners are smart enough to act as president. Debates give insight into each candidate’s knowledge of current events and public affairs. Do they understand what’s happening in the world? Are they familiar with other governments and foreign leaders? Do the candidates stand ready to address problems with the economy, health care, border, and America’s global standing? Debates provide answers to these all-important questions.
- Viewers can decide whether age is a factor. Our 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, once quipped at a debate with Democratic opponent Walter Mondale, “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” Of course, that got laughs. Simply put, mental acuity and sharpness are needed to be president. In this election, neither candidate is considered “young,” with Biden age 81, and Trump at 78. Age itself isn’t the problem; it’s what the candidates can deliver regardless of how old they are. Biden has been televised acting dazed and confused. The debate will show if he possesses the physical and mental energy required to continue to function in the political world. Trump will also be similarly evaluated.
- Viewers can judge the emotional intelligence of the candidates. Both Biden and Trump have slung insults at one another. Biden has referred to Trump as “that loser” and his campaign calls Trump “Broke Don.” Trump has called Biden “Sleepy Joe” and “Crooked Joe Biden.” Name-calling is a common political tactic used to gain advantage over an opponent. And it is also used to defend oneself from criticism. Insults in politics are not new. Theodore Roosevelt once said of William McKinley, “McKinley had no more backbone than a chocolate eclair.” Political insults are not necessarily indicative of low emotional intelligence. So, what should be considered? Per LinkedIn, EQ (emotional quotient) and EI (emotional intelligence) have five main dimensions. They include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Candidates must be well-rounded and be strong in each field. Debates can help voters conclude whether candidates meet the EQ and EI qualifications needed to be president based on those five crucial factors.
- Viewers can learn details on policies and priorities. Candidates have platforms, defined as formal sets of principle goals which are supported by the political candidate, and usually the party. During debates, candidates discuss much of their vision for the nation and what they hope to achieve in office, largely based on these platforms. For example, Donald Trump says he will address border issues, seeking to prevent illegal crossings, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Whereas Biden says he favors an orderly immigration system that welcomes immigrants. During the debates, folks can learn more about issues that affect Americans and their way of life.
- Viewers can gauge the integrity of the candidates. Americans seek strong and decisive leadership. They want candidates who are honest and transparent. However, voters are increasingly discouraged by politics, fearing candidates will make empty promises for political gain. Watching the debate enlightens viewers. Home audiences can evaluate the personal qualities and character of each candidate. They can hear responses, watch body language, and fact-check statements to see how accurate and honest each candidate is about his own record as well as other statistics offered.
- Viewers can see how well the candidates communicate. A debate allows spectators to see how fast candidates can think on their feet and how well they can respond to questions. Mumbling incoherently or stumbling over answers might indicate cognitive issues which begs the question, “Can a candidate with poor communication skills manage the government effectively?” Those who represent the country must be able to clearly communicate with the American public who they serve, as well as with other leaders.
It’s worthwhile
Despite the probability of some drama, debates are worth watching as they provide insight into the candidates’ beliefs, values, smarts, qualifications, and abilities. While voters may already favor a candidate ahead of this debate, it’s good to tune in, keep an open mind, and really listen to what the candidates have to say. When voters reflect on qualifications of presidents, minds often drift to those which are constitutional; being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years. However, it takes a lot more to be president. While likability is a factor in elections, the presidency requires effort, commitment, smarts, strength, along with superior communication, leadership, and management skills. So, grab your seat and get ready for the historic showdown on June 27 to find out who is best suited for the job.