Michelle Obama for president? Ted Cruz's prediction for Democrats after ‘debate fiasco’

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, doubled down on his prediction that Democrats will “dump Biden” and tap former First Lady Michelle Obama as their party’s nominee.

“Watching Biden’s excruciating debate performance tonight, I believe the odds are now greater than 80% that the Dems dump Biden,” Cruz said in a post on X, formerly called Twitter, during Thursday’s presidential debate. “Nine months ago, on Verdict I predicted that the Dems would replace Biden with Michelle Obama. I think that’s going to happen.”

Cruz on his podcast “The Verdict” in September said: “So here’s the scenario that I think is perhaps the most likely and most dangerous. In August of 2024, the Democrat kingmakers jettison Joe Biden and parachute in Michelle Obama. I view this as a very serious danger,” the Hill reported.

A raspy and sometimes halting President Joe Biden tried repeatedly to confront Donald Trump in their first debate ahead of the November election, as his Republican rival countered Biden's criticism by leaning into falsehoods about the economy, illegal immigration and his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Read More

A New York Times report suggests, Democrats, including staunch Biden supporters within his administration, have immediately reacted with alarm after his dismal performance during the debate. They exchanged urgent phone calls and text messages, with some expressing shock on social media over Biden's performance.

Report further elaborates that, Privately, discussions arose about the implications for the party and whether it was too late to advocate for a younger alternative to Biden. A veteran Democratic strategist highlighted a growing chorus within the party calling for Biden to step aside, noting that the once-strong support for him among Democrats seemed to be waning.

Other than showcasing Biden as a strong opponent to Trump the debate has only exposed his capability issues further. Now even Democrat circles speculate over Biden's ability to lead the party into the next election cycle.

The publication quoted a Democrat, “Parties exist to win,” this Democrat continued. “The man on the stage with Trump cannot win. The fear of Trump stifled criticism of Biden. Now that same fear is going to fuel calls for him to step down.”

“If the Democratic Party were smart, it would make Jamie Dimon the candidate. Jamie said he wouldn’t run unless he was anointed president. This would be his anointment,” Bill Ackman commented on the debate

Vivek Ramaswamy responds to presidential debate: “The fact that anyone is shocked by Biden’s brain-dead performance tonight is a scathing indictment of the media which has gone to great lengths to cover this fact up for the public.”

NY Times: ‘A raspy Biden melted down in prime time’

USA Today: 'DEMOCRATIC PANIC, Biden supporters alarmed after president's debate struggles'

NBC: Biden delivers shaky performance; Trump dodges accepting election results

CNN: Biden's poor showing and Trump's repeated deflection

Fox News: Raspy Biden gets off to a halting start against Trump in the first 2024 presidential debate

Reuters:

Biden's performance: In a high stake face-off that will turn the tide for rest of the campaign president Joe Biden appeared struggling and even froze several times. The moment that most of his opponents were waiting for came early, when Biden appeared to freeze for several seconds while answering a question about the economy. Most of the time he stumbled during exchanges over key numbers, like the amount of new jobs created under his administration, caps for out-of-pocket drug costs and insulin that are key pillars of his reelection bid.

The shaky performance is not being used as a fodder by Trump supporters to call him the decisive winner of the debate. Biden's team quickly rushed in for a damage control by claiming president has a cold.

Despite his awkward moments of silence and struggling Biden called out Trump, labelling him, ‘an alley cat with no moral, a ’whiner' over rigged election claim, ‘having slept with a sex worker’, and a ‘sucker’ for attacking his son Hunter Biden.

Trump showed more aggression: On the contrary Trump capitalized on Biden’s missteps, swiping at his opponent during an exchange on immigration. “I really don’t know what he said on this, and I don’t think he knows what he said either,” Trump said.

His performance during the debate showed moments of controversy and missteps. He veered off-topic when asked about Americans battling opioid addiction, instead focusing on immigration and unrelated international issues. Trump made false claims, including taking credit for a Medicare insulin price cap that wasn't his doing, and reiterated conspiracy theories about the January 6 Capitol rioters being invited in by police. He also faced uncomfortable questions regarding his alleged affair with a porn star, a topic central to his legal troubles. Moreover, Trump awkwardly dodged inquiries about whether he would accept the election results, adding to the contentious atmosphere of the debate.

“Donald Trump spent the night talking about himself, his lies, his legal woes, his affairs with a porn star, and his golf championships at his own club,” claimed Joe Biden.

NY Times Opinion extract: The debate got personal.

Former President Donald J. Trump repeatedly delivered aggressive, often misleading attacks against a shaky President Biden during a 90-minute debate Thursday night, offering millions of voters a stark contrast amid a high-stakes rematch in which Mr. Biden’s performance was repeatedly foggy and disjointed.

Mr. Trump, 78, made wild assertions and false statements, remaining unapologetic about his alternate-reality claims about the 2020 election, while avoiding a grievance-filled rant. Mr. Biden, 81, spoke rapidly and appeared to meander through his answers, fumbling at the end of sentences even as he accused Mr. Trump of being a liar and a threat to democracy.

Bloomberg Opinion extract - "President Joe Biden stumbled through exchanges in Thursday’s presidential debate, a performance that risks exacerbating concerns about his age and intensifying Democratic worries about their candidate’s ability to defeat Republican Donald Trump in November’s election.

The president’s performance was punctuated by stumbles, repeated lines, coughs, misstatements and an extended freeze that will stoke fitness and acuity concerns. He stumbled over key numbers, like the amount of new jobs created under his administration, caps for out-of-pocket drug costs and insulin that are key pillars of his reelection bid.

The shaky performance threatens to wound Biden’s already sputtering campaign, fueling Republican attacks that, at 81, the oldest president in US history is not fit to serve another four-year term. Trump capitalized on Biden’s missteps, swiping at his opponent during an exchange on immigration.

“I really don’t know what he said on this, and I don’t think he knows what he said either,” Trump said.

Biden is fighting a cold, according to people familiar with the matter.

Trump’s performance was not without missteps of his own. Asked about Americans struggling with opioid addiction, the former president talked about immigration and Russia’s detention of a Wall Street Journal reporter. He falsely claimed credit for a cap on Medicare insulin prices, claimed Jan. 6 rioters were invited into the Capitol by police, and was forced to claim he never had sex with a porn star – a central element of his hush money trial. He also repeatedly and awkwardly sidestepped questions about if he would respect the results of the election."

In his closing statement, Trump criticized Biden for alleged failures in national security and immigration policies, accusing him of making the country unsafe. Trump condemned conflicts such as Israel's war in Gaza and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, claiming they should have been prevented.

He painted a bleak picture of the current state of the nation, comparing it unfavorably to the Charlottesville incident during his presidency. Trump vowed to restore greatness to the country, contrasting his vision with what he described as a failing nation under Biden's leadership.

Biden has said that the country has made “significant progress” on issues such as taxation and healthcare access after the “debacle” of Trump’s time in office, vowing to continue bringing down inflation.

He also said that Trump’s proposal to increase tariffs by 10 percent would amount to a “tax” on everyday people and that he would roll Biden’s efforts to increase the ability of Medicare to negotiate the price of some drugs for seniors.

During the debate, Biden and Trump bantered about their golf skills in response to questions about their age. Trump boasted about winning two regular club championships recently, emphasizing his fitness and skill.

“I just won two club championships, not even senior. Two regular club championships,” the former president said. “To do that, you have to be quite smart, and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way.”

“He doesn’t do it,” Trump said of Biden. “He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”

Biden responded with humor, challenging Trump to a driving contest and joking about carrying his own golf bag. “I told you before I’m happy to play golf. If you carry your own bag. Do you think you could do it?” Biden responded.

Asked whether he would accept the result of the 2024 election if he loses after waging an effort to overturn his loss in 2020 based on false claims that the election was rigged against him, Trump said he would accept a “fair and legal” election.

Though he went on to reiterate false claims about widespread fraud during the 2020 election.

Biden called Trump a “whiner” for pushing the false claim that the election was stolen from him, saying that “something snapped” in Trump because he was incapable of accepting defeat.

During the debate Donald Trump has claimed that Russia may be asking for billions of dollars from US to release Wall Street Journalist reporter Evan Gershkovich. He is currently on trial for espionage in Russia.

However, Trump maintained on the debate stage that the key to his release is November’s election.

“As soon as I win the election, I will have that reporter out,” Trump said, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of coercing Biden for Gershkovich’s release.

Biden, earlier in the debate, called Putin a “war criminal”.

According to an NBC report, Biden “has a cold,” and he does not have Covid-19.

The justification comes after Biden’s quiet, raspy voice and occasional coughing has garnered significant attention throughout the debate.

During the debate, Biden and Trump clashed over the U.S.'s involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the accord in 2017, defended his decision, calling the agreement a financial burden on the country.

Biden criticized Trump's environmental policies, “I don’t know where the hell he’s been,” Biden said of Trump, as the latter attacked his environmental record. “I’ve passed the most extensive climate change legislation in history.”

“And he didn’t do a damn thing about it,” he said of Trump. “He wants to undo all that I’ve done.”

Trump, meanwhile, said he had a the “biggest heart” and defended his decision, “It was a ripoff of the United States, and I ended it,” Trump said. “It was costing us money.”

Biden and Trump each declare the other unfit to be president as their exchanges heat up at the midpoint of their debate. Trump calls himself the best president and Biden worst president in US history. Biden counters, it's not my conjecture but by fact that Trump was the worst president for US.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday accused his election rival Donald Trump of having the "morals of an alley cat" in a blistering attack on the Republican's character during the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

"The crimes you are still charged with. Think of all the civil penalties you have. How many billions of dollars do you owe in civil penalties for molesting a woman in public... for having sex with a porn star on the night, while your wife was pregnant? What are you talking about? You have the morals of an alley cat," he told Trump during their showdown in Atlanta.

Trump's claim Pelosi turned down his offer to send National Guard members on Jan. 6, 2021

Trump falsely claimed that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “turned down” his offer to send “10,000 soldiers or National Guard” to the Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Pelosi does not direct the National Guard. Further, as the Capitol came under attack, she and then-Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell called for military assistance, including from the National Guard.

The Capitol Police Board makes the decision on whether to call National Guard troops to the Capitol. It is made up of the House Sergeant at Arms, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol. The board decided not to call the guard ahead of the insurrection but did eventually request assistance after the rioting had already begun, and the troops arrived several hours later.

There is no evidence that either Pelosi or McConnell directed the security officials not to call the guard beforehand.

-AP Reports

During the debate, Biden affirmed that voting for Trump was, in his view, a vote against democracy, particularly citing Trump's actions and statements.

Biden referenced the 2017 Charlottesville white supremacist rally as a pivotal moment that motivated him to run for president in 2020.

“What American president would ever say, Nazis coming out of fields carrying torches… were fine people?” Biden asked.

Trump countered by denying the events occurred as Biden said. “He didn’t run because of Charlottesville. He used that as an excuse to run,” Trump said. “He made up the Charlottesville story.”

“We saw it with our own eyes,” Biden said.

Donald Trump , who has become the first president to be a convicted felon claimed Biden could be a ‘convicted felon’ after he leaves office

Trump said Biden could come under legal scrutiny after leaving office, calling him a “criminal” and saying that he himself had done “nothing wrong” but was convicted by a “rigged” court.

Biden said it was “wrong” for Trump to suggest that he could seek retribution against political rivals because he was president.

When asked whether he can be trusted to safeguard democracy after the riot by his supporters on January 6, Trump denied that he encouraged his supporters to act violently in his remarks on that day.

Biden countered, ‘Donald Trump encouraged the insurrectionists on January 6. He didn’t do a damn thing to hold them accountable.’

However fact is that Trump encouraged his supporters to walk up to the Capitol, and promoted false claims about the election being stolen that were embraced by the rioters.

President Biden claimed that everyone, including the UN and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has agreed to his ceasefire plan. He attributed the continuation of the war to Hamas.

Netanyahu has consistently stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire deal that ends the conflict.

Former President Trump countered Biden's claim by asserting that Netanyahu desires to continue the conflict to pursue Israel's goals, using whatever means necessary.

President Joe Biden faced delivery challenges during the CNN presidential debate, clearing his throat or coughing multiple times. Biden cleared his throat or coughed multiple times, a condition that his doctor has previously stated is caused by acid reflux.

“Continue to move until we get the total ban on the, the, the, the total initiative relative to what we're gonna do with more border patrol and more asylum officers,” Biden argued

“I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence,” Trump countered

During the debate, Trump accused Biden of neglecting veterans while immigrants lived in luxury hotels, saying, “They’re living in luxury hotels in New York City and other places. He doesn’t care about our veterans.” Biden countered by referencing reports that Trump called fallen veterans “suckers and losers,” stating emphatically, “My son was not a loser or a sucker. You are a loser. You are a sucker.” Trump responded by denying the allegations, saying, “He made up the suckers and losers, so he should apologize to me right now.” The exchange continued tense as Biden expressed disbelief at the idea of apologizing to Trump.

Trump attacked Biden over his immigration policy saying the country has become a “rat’s nest” and an “uncivilized country” due to Biden’s border policies and crimes committed by immigrants.

However, data shows that immigrants do not commit crimes at a higher rate than US citizens.

During the debate, Trump persisted with his anti-immigrant rhetoric, raising concerns about violence by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers entering the US. He claimed US had closed borders, he opened the borders and allowing terrorists who are killing our people. Biden countered by highlighting the experiences of young women who have suffered violence domestically. Trump reiterated his claims, accusing Biden of allowing murderers into the country who commit acts of violence against women.

In a heated exchange during the debate, Trump shifted focus from the economy to immigration, a perceived vulnerability for Biden. Biden highlighted his success in lowering prescription drug prices, stating, "We finally beat Medicare." Trump quickly countered, accusing Biden of undermining Medicare and allowing undocumented immigration to strain social service programs, warning of dire consequences for Social Security. He condemned Biden's policies, claiming they would lead to the destruction of important government services.

Former President Trump defended his intention to raise tariffs by 10 percent, arguing that it would prevent other countries from taking advantage of the United States. Economists, however, have cautioned that such a sharp increase in tariffs could potentially damage US trade relationships with other nations.

‘He (Donald Trump) opened the borders and now people are coming and killing our people’, Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s message is very clear over state of economy, “We gave him something great,” but Biden messed it up. President Biden criticized the state of the economy at the end of Trump's presidency, attributing it to chaos and emphasizing his efforts to stabilize and rebuild. In response, Trump claimed his administration facilitated economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic through substantial federal spending.

The debate began with a focus on the U.S. economy. President Joe Biden described the current state as an "American economy in freefall," while former President Donald Trump highlighted the strong economy during his tenure and his handling of the pandemic.

President Joe Biden has been portraying the economy as booming and reaching new heights, while acknowledging ongoing work to be done. Former President Donald Trump, however, contends that the economy is crashing and in complete disarray, a sentiment he expressed at a recent campaign rally in Wisconsin.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump did not shake hands when they entered the debate stage. This mirrors their last debate in 2020, where Covid-19 protocols prevented handshakes. Before the debate, two longtime Biden aides predicted Biden would "probably not" extend his hand, with one remarking, "He didn’t have to in 2020, why change that now?"

In tonight's debate, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are focusing on undecided voters, who could be crucial in a tight presidential race.

A two-day Reuters/Ipsos poll found that about 20% of respondents are undecided or unsure if they will vote in November. Similarly, a Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 16% of voters are open to changing their candidate choice.

Moreover, multiple polls indicate that a majority of respondents plan to watch the debate, highlighting its significance in influencing undecided voters. For both candidates, the challenge will be to appeal to this group despite their diverse concerns, in a race that is expected to be decided by narrow margins.

A false claim circulated on social media, alleging that CNN would delay its broadcast of the presidential debate by up to two minutes, according to NBC News. The claim was debunked by CNN, which confirmed the debate would start live at 9pm ET with the standard 7-second delay.

Despite CNN's denial, the post gained significant traction on social media, amassing over 4 million views. AI chatbots, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot, incorrectly repeated the claim, while Meta's AI and X's Grok provided the correct information.

Bothe President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have reached Atlanta for the debate. Hours before the US debate, Biden took a subtle jab at Donald Trump on social media regarding Melania Trump's absence. Biden posted on X, highlighting the support of his wife, Jill Biden: "The best part of the campaign trail is having you by my side, Jilly," responding to Jill's earlier supportive post. This contrasts with Melania Trump's noticeable absence from Trump's campaign events, a recurring theme in the race.

The White House Correspondents Association released the following statement:

“WHCA is deeply concerned that CNN has rejected our repeated requests to include the White House travel pool inside the studio. Through conversations and advocacy, we urged CNN to grant access to at least one print pool reporter for the duration of the debate. WHCA has been informed that one print reporter will be permitted to enter the studio during a commercial break to briefly observe the setting. That is not sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage. The White House pool has a duty to document, report and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people.”

The debate will start at 9 p.m. Eastern time in a television studio in Atlanta without a live audience. While some rules and formatting elements are standard, others are less typical, such as the lack of an audience and the automatic muting of candidates when it is not their turn to speak.

Who Else is There?

Biden and Trump will be alone in the CNN studio, but a host of advisers will be nearby. The First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, is expected to be the only Biden family member in attendance. It is unclear who, if anyone, from Trump’s immediate family will attend, but his estranged niece, Mary Trump, will be there supporting Biden. Surrogates from both sides will be present to spin the event in favour of their candidate.

The Preparations:

President Biden has concluded a weeklong debate session at Camp David, focusing on anticipating Trump’s attacks, refining his policy arguments, and avoiding politically dangerous gaffes. Trump has prepared at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida with policy discussions involving senators and staff members. Their differing preparation methods highlight Biden's structured approach versus Trump’s more informal style.

The Expectations Game:

Both candidates have tried to lower expectations ahead of the debate. Trump and his allies have suggested, without evidence, that Biden will be on drugs during the debate. Meanwhile, Biden and his allies have acknowledged Trump’s energy and expect him to be more disciplined than usual. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, voters have mixed anticipations about the debate.

Biden’s Strategy:

The president aims to demonstrate his fitness for another four years while reminding voters of Trump’s extreme policies and the chaos of his time in office. Biden will focus on issues like abortion rights and Trump’s support for tax cuts for the wealthy. He needs to show vitality and stamina without appearing angry, maintaining the charm and likability that have defined his political career.

Trump’s Strategy:

Trump rarely sticks to a script, but his allies have urged him to focus on issues such as immigration, inflation, trade, and crime. He is expected to continue attacking Biden’s economic record and warning about the dangers of migrants crossing the border. Trump's challenge will be to stay disciplined for 90 minutes and avoid devolving into grievance-filled rants that might alienate voters.

CNN has revealed that their “high tech” microphones will have green lights to tell Biden and Trump whether or not their mic is on. Take a look:

A campaign official told CNN that the Biden campaign might air an abortion-focused ad during a commercials break. Biden has long been trying to draw a contrast with Donald Trump on the topic of reproductive rights. Previously, Biden's campaign ads have often featured testimonials from women who were affected by state abortions bans. Trump, on the other hand, will always be remembered as the president who appointed the justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Ahead of the Joe Biden-Donald Trump presidential debate, it is expected that the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and “threat to democracy” might take centre stage. Back in May, an ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that "protecting democracy" was one of the top four issues for voters. It also showed that voters were evenly split on which candidate they believed would do that.

Both Trump and Biden are considering the January 6 riot as an incident central to their 2024 campaigns, but of course, in different ways. Biden’s reelection bid paints Trump as a person who is an existential threat to the country's founding principles. Democracy, under Trump, will be at stake, Biden believes.

Trump, on the other hand, has tried to establish that Biden is the "threat to democracy.” He has accused the president of weaponizing the government in an attempt to prosecute a political opponent.

January 6 has been a kind of rallying cry in Trump’s campaign. He has told supporters that he would forgive some of the people who were convicted or charged, and even referred to them as “patriots,” “warriors,” and “hostages.”

Donald Trump will always be remembered as the president who appointed the justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade back in 2022. When he was considering a run for the White House in 1999, Trump told NBC's Tim Russert on Meet the Press, "I'm very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it, I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when people debate the subject. But I still believe in choice.”

In the past, Trump said he is proud that Roe v. Wade was overturned by justices he nominated. On another occasion, he avoided tough questions about the issue, including whether he would back a national abortion ban if he is elected president. During Thursday’s debate, he might talk tough on the issue, or deflect and attack Joe Biden, or say that the issue is better left to be dealt with by the states.

Jill Biden spoke out about the debate during a stop at a Virginia Beach Biden campaign field office while she was on her way to Atlanta. “You all know that there’s two visions for America, and you’ll see them tonight when you watch the debate. And you’ve already chosen your vision: The vision you’ve chosen is for strong, steady leadership, versus that other vision, which is chaos and corruption,” she told supporters," according to CNN. “I want you tonight, when you see them both debating: I want you to hear Joe’s words, but most of all, I want you to listen to his heart.”

She added, “I know you’re believers, but we have to work harder: We have to go out and we have to talk to other people about these two visions. Talk about Joe’s vision and how he is trying to build up America. … I know it’s early, it’s June, and you’re probably saying, ‘Oh my God, we have all these months to go.’”

Jill also offered a subtle jab at Donald Trump, saying Biden has worked on “lifting up Americans, not just himself, like the other guy.”

For Republicans and Donald Trump, the border is a major campaign issue. Trump has said that he would use the power of the federal government to “remove known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States.” In recent days, Joe Biden has come under fire following various brutal crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including the murders of Laken Riley, Kayla Hamilton, Rachel Morin, and Jocelyn Nungaray.

Immediately after Biden took office, he cancelled some of Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Sources have told CNN that Biden might address the issue at the debate by portraying Trump’s policies as extreme, and his own as more appropriate.

Joe Biden posted a video on X ahead of the presidential debate, calling Donald Trump “unfit” for office. Take a look:

Sen. Bernie Sanders has said that Joe Biden must “make it clear who is on the side of the working families of this country” during the debate. “What Biden has got to do is say ‘I stand with workers,’ and he has,” Sanders told CNN, noting that Biden was the first president to have stood on a picket line with workers on strike.

Joe Biden, 81, has come under scrutiny time and again for his embarrassing gaffes, mumblings and forgetfulness on stage. At the debate, any callous statement or misstep can go against the president and be distorted by Donald Trump’s allies. In the best-case scenario, Biden would project himself as a confident man who has far more experience than any other president has ever had, owing to his age. In the worst case, he commits another blunder that prompts the world to consider his age to be a leading concern.

In a recent interview with CNN, Biden campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond discussed President Joe Biden's stance and approach ahead of the upcoming debate with Donald Trump.

"I don't think I would [shake hands], but President Biden has consistently, he rises above the pettiness," Richmond remarked, highlighting Biden's inclination to maintain a statesmanlike demeanour even in contentious settings.

When pressed about whether Biden would directly call Trump a convicted felon during the debate, Richmond recalled Biden's previous statements and emphasized a straightforward approach to Trump's legal status.

"Well, he has before," Richmond responded, “and look, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. He’s a convicted felon.”

As anticipation builds for the Biden-Trump debate in Atlanta, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have a unique opportunity to reshape the political landscape just over four months before the election.

For Biden, the debate offers a chance to demonstrate his capability at 81, amid doubts about his age and stamina. Trump, at 78, seeks to move past recent legal troubles and convince voters of his fitness for office.

This historic debate, hosted by CNN, marks several firsts: it's the earliest general election debate, hosted by a single news outlet, and will be conducted without an audience. Microphones will be muted during opponents' speaking turns, with only two commercial breaks allowed.

The candidates' sharply contrasting policies on issues like abortion, immigration, and foreign affairs will be in sharp focus. Recent executive actions by Biden on asylum and Trump's focus on illegal immigration underscore their differing approaches.

The debate's timing, amidst a backdrop of Supreme Court decisions and ongoing international conflicts, intensifies its potential impact. Biden's secluded preparation at Camp David contrasts with Trump's more informal approach in Florida, reflecting their distinct styles.

With Georgia's electoral significance in mind, both candidates have ramped up campaign efforts in the state, each aiming to sway voters crucial to victory in November.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has weighed in on the upcoming Biden-Trump debate, asserting that President Biden faces a "disadvantage" against Donald Trump. In a recent op-ed for The New York Times, Clinton condemned Trump for his conduct in past debates, recalling her own experiences facing him in the 2016 elections.

Clinton characterised Trump's debate style as marked by interruptions, insults, and falsehoods that undermined the democratic process and confused voters. She criticised his evasion of substantive issues by resorting to personal attacks and distractions. Clinton highlighted Trump's avoidance of addressing controversial policies such as environmental deregulation, restrictive abortion measures, and tax breaks for the wealthy.

Reflecting on Biden's recent State of the Union address, Clinton suggested that Biden's direct and forceful approach in addressing challenges could effectively counter Trump's tactics during the debate. She emphasized the importance of clarity and assertiveness in confronting Trump's rhetoric and policy positions.

As the stage is set for Biden and Trump's first debate ahead of the November elections, Clinton's insights underscore expectations and strategies for both candidates.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is reportedly not planning to publicly campaign for President Joe Biden's second term. According to a new report, part of the reason stems from the Biden family's treatment of her close friend Kathleen Buhle following her divorce from Hunter Biden.

While former President Barack Obama has actively supported Biden's 2024 campaign, Michelle Obama has notably stayed away from major events, including a recent Hollywood-studded fundraiser. Sources cited by Axios suggest her absence is due to frustration over how Buhle was treated by the Biden family.

In addition to this, Michelle Obama's general disdain for partisan politics could also explain her reluctance to get involved. Despite being one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party, she has focused on her national nonpartisan initiative, When We All Vote, instead of engaging in the re-election campaign.

The relationship between the Obama and Biden families reportedly changed in 2015 when President Obama discouraged then-Vice President Biden from running for president, which later led to Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle's messy divorce in 2017.

Former President Obama has attended Biden's 2024 fundraisers, a state dinner, and appeared in campaign videos, but Michelle Obama has maintained her distance.

According to the poll conducted by Ipsos’s KnowledgePanel, expectations are relatively low for both candidates, particularly for President Biden. Likely voters gave Biden an average expectations score of 2.58 out of 5, indicating a perception halfway between "about average" and "poor." This low bar could play to Biden's advantage; even an average performance could surpass many Americans' expectations.

Biden’s low score is likely tied to concerns about his age and Republican portrayals of him as inept. Respondents rated his fitness for the presidency on a similar five-point scale, with Biden receiving an average score of 2.3 for physical fitness, 2.4 for mental fitness, and a slightly higher 2.8 for emotional fitness.

Former President Trump received a mean expectations score of 2.96 out of 5, reflecting a perception of him as "about average." Despite this, voters also questioned his suitability for the presidency. Trump scored 2.6 out of 5 for emotional fitness, slightly below Biden, but outscored Biden on mental fitness with a 2.8 and on physical fitness with a 3.1.

These ratings set the stage for a debate where both candidates have a lot to prove to the American public.

As the historic Biden-Trump debate approaches, both candidates have taken contrasting approaches to preparation. President Biden had been off the radar at Camp David, fine-tuning his responses in mock debates under real TV lighting. In contrast, former President Trump opted for a more relaxed approach, skipping dress rehearsals in favour of informal policy roundtables and workshopping strategies with rally crowds.

Biden aims to paint Trump as unhinged and unfit for office, while Trump's team encourages him to highlight his strengths in the economy and crime. Despite previously portraying Biden as feeble, Trump’s campaign has recently adjusted their strategy to avoid underestimating him, acknowledging his week of intense preparation.

Trump’s team has also propagated baseless claims about Biden using performance-enhancing drugs and insinuated bias from CNN. Meanwhile, Biden faces vulnerabilities on border security, with Trump promising mass deportations to combat undocumented migration.

1. Biden's response of age concerns:

As the oldest sitting president at 81, Biden's performance will be scrutinised for signs of frailty or confusion. He needs to project vigour and clarity to counteract age-related concerns. Biden will likely emphasise his extensive experience, framing his age as an asset rather than a liability. A strong, decisive performance similar to his State of the Union address earlier this year could help reassure voters and widen his lead in the tight race. On the contrary, any notable gaffes or lapses could solidify age as a central issue in the campaign.

2. Scrutiny over Biden's handling of inflation:

- Although inflation has slowed since its peak in June 2022, its lingering effects continue to affect Biden's approval ratings. During the debate, Biden will need to effectively communicate his administration’s efforts to combat inflation, such as job creation and economic recovery initiatives. He faces the challenge of addressing public concerns while countering Trump's criticisms and misleading claims about the economy. Biden will also need to highlight the potential negative impact of Trump’s proposed economic policies, such as steep tariffs and reduced immigration, which experts argue could exacerbate inflation.

3. Trump and Biden's stand on Israel and Gaza:

- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza presents a complex issue for Biden, especially in appealing to his diverse voter base with varying views on the matter. Biden’s handling of U.S.-Israel relations and his stance on the conflict will be closely watched. He must navigate the fine line of supporting Israel’s security while addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Trump’s unpredictable comments on the conflict add an extra layer of complexity, making Biden's approach to this topic crucial for maintaining support from different factions within his coalition.

4. Biden and Trump's foreign policy perspective:

- The debate will highlight stark contrasts between Biden and Trump on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. Biden has consistently supported Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression and has worked closely with NATO allies to provide military aid. However, Trump has shown an affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has made ambiguous statements about U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump’s foreign policy advisors have proposed plans that could significantly alter U.S. involvement in the conflict, potentially favoring Russia. Biden will aim to underscore his commitment to international alliances and democratic values, while Trump will likely promote a more isolationist stance.

5. Biden and Trump's take on immigration policies

- Immigration remains a contentious issue, with Trump advocating for strict measures, including the removal of suspected gang members and drug dealers, and even proposing a UFC migrant league. Biden’s immigration policies have been more nuanced, attempting to balance compassion with enforcement. He has reversed many of Trump’s hardline policies but faced criticism from both sides for his handling of surges in migrant numbers. Biden will need to defend his approach, highlighting efforts to protect families and careers while managing border security. Trump will likely use this issue to attack Biden’s perceived leniency and promise tougher immigration control.

These key points will shape the debate and provide a deeper understanding of each candidate's platform and potential impact on the 2024 presidential race.