Biden and Trump face off in Atlanta for 2024 presidential debate

US President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, are all set for the first general election debate of the 2024 season — a chance for both candidates to try to reshape the political narrative and persuade undecided voters.

Biden, the Democratic incumbent, has the opportunity to reassure voters that, at 81, he is capable of guiding the US through a range of challenges. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump could use the moment to try to move past his felony conviction in New York and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office.

Thursday's debate in Atlanta also marks at least a couple of firsts — never before have two White House contenders faced off at such advanced ages, and never before has CNN hosted a general election presidential debate.

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2300 GMT — Atlanta debate a departure from tradition

Tonight marks a significant departure from tradition in presidential debates. For the first time since the election cycle, the upcoming presidential general election debate is not sponsored by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

The Republican National Committee withdrew from CPD-sponsored debates in 2022, alleging bias. As a result, the two sides have agreed to debates in this cycle that are not endorsed by the CPD.

The CPD has defended its role in managing the debate process and initially announced plans to proceed with four debates as scheduled but that seems to be not the case now. Both US presidential candidates have negotiated directly with networks, thereby gaining more control over their campaigns.

2240 GMT — Pro-Palestine protests ahead of presidential debate Hundreds of passionate pro-Palestinian supporters have assembled in Atlanta, converging to voice their dissent against the continuing warfare in Gaza.

The demonstration comes ahead of the highly anticipated presidential debate, adding a vocal dimension to the political discourse unfolding in the city.

REUTERS

Pro-Palestine protesters gather ahead of the first US presidential debate in Atlanta

2210 GMT — No distinct underdog, expert tells TRT

Rina Shah, a seasoned political analyst from Washington DC, shared her insights with TRT World, emphasising that the forthcoming debate between Biden and Trump is set to showcase a matchup devoid of a distinct underdog.

Each candidate, she noted, is diligently ramping up their preparations, underscoring the pivotal nature of this impending face-off which is generating significant anticipation and scrutiny across the political spectrum.

2150 GMT — Biden and Trump arrive in Georgia

Biden arrived in Georgia about six hours before the on-air showdown, and took the opportunity to greet supporters outside his hotel in Atlanta.

Trump arrived in Georgia a few hours ahead of his historic debate with Biden.

The Republican candidate touched down in his private jet, which he has dubbed "Trump Force One," at the airport in Atlanta, pumping his fist to supporters on the tarmac before he ducked into a waiting vehicle.

CNN shuts out White House reporters from Trump-Biden debate

REUTERS

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, US [ REUTERS/Megan Varner]

2100 GMT — CNN agrees to have independent print reporter in studio during debate

CNN has responded to calls from the White House Correspondents' Association to allow an independent print reporter into the studio during tonight’s presidential debate to send out behind-the-scenes reports.

The network says the event is "closed to press" — meaning that outside journalists are not allowed access to it.

"As proud members of the White House Correspondents Association, we respect the role the organization plays and their support for press freedom and access," CNN said in a statement.

The debate was "being held without an audience in a CNN studio and is closed to press."