ILLINOIS (WIFR) – On Thursday, June 27 at 8 p.m., former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden will face off in the first presidential debate of the year. This will be the first time a former president and a current president will debate each other ahead of the next four-year term of the U.S. presidency.
Because both candidates have served as president, many Americans feel they know what to expect from them. Bob Evans, an associate professor of political science at Rockford University, explains what to expect from both candidates and what they will say.
“President Biden wants to make this a referendum on Donald Trump, saying democracy is on the ballot and the future of democracy is on the line. Meanwhile, former President Trump is running the risk of saying Biden is old and just repeating the same thing again.”
Evans also said he believes the debate will be extremely important because there is so much information about both candidates. In light of this, there will be some new changes to the debate. There will be no audience participation, and the moderator will have the power to turn off microphones if necessary. The debate will also be held earlier in the year instead of the usual fall. Local politicians believe these new changes will help attract undecided voters and increase voter turnout.
“I think the undecideds won't decide until later in the election cycle,” said Dave Vella, who represents the 68th District. “I think the idea of having the debate earlier is a good one because it will get people thinking earlier. It will solidify some people's support by seeing what Trump and Biden's views and policies are.”
Both Vela and 90th District Representative John Cabello agreed the economy has to be a topic of discussion, regardless of party affiliation.
“The economy comes first,” Cabello said. “Perception is reality, and everyone believes the economy is not doing well. We all know food prices are skyrocketing, gasoline prices are skyrocketing.”
Cabello and Vela also said foreign policy, education, health care and many other issues beyond the economy should be a focus for the candidates.
The debate will be moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
The debate can be viewed on WIFR on Thursday, June 27th at 8pm.
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