What to know ahead of the Biden-Trump presidential debate

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off on Thursday night in a crucial first presidential debate in the lead-up to the 2024 election, in what could be a defining moment early on in a rematch for the White House.

While replays will dominate television, CNN's televised debate is likely to draw the largest audience of the entire campaign leading up to Election Day in November.

The debate came as the two men are locked in a fierce presidential race, with polls showing a virtual stalemate and voters from each party saying they wish they had chosen the other candidate.

This dynamic makes the stakes even higher: If either candidate can break through with even a relatively small group of voters, it could change the entire course of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the disastrous blunder will likely be amplified and live on in voters' imaginations for months.

Here are some key points to know about this debate:

When and where will the debate take place?

The 90-minute debate will take place at 9:00 pm ET from CNN's studios in Atlanta and will be hosted by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

There will be no studio audience, eliminating the possibility of cheering or booing from supporters.

The candidates' microphones will be muted except when it is their turn to speak, potentially preventing Trump from frequently interrupting Biden or the moderator, as he did in 2020.

There will be two commercial breaks, but the candidates will not be allowed to confer with their aides.

Why are there debates so early in the campaign?

Both sides believe their candidates would benefit from holding a debate as soon as possible.

For months, Trump had said Biden was too old to debate and expected him to avoid a direct confrontation, even though the former president had repeatedly vowed to debate him anytime, anywhere.

Biden's team has long believed his approval rating would rise if voters began to view the race as a choice between the incumbent and Trump, rather than a referendum on his handling of issues such as the economy and immigration.

So when CNN proposed a summer debate, the two sides agreed within hours, with Trump surprising some observers by agreeing to the conditions Biden demanded, particularly that his microphones be muted and that there be no spectators.

Both campaigns are hoping to reach out to voters early, with tens of millions of voters set to start voting by mail just after Labor Day, sooner than ever before.

What Biden wants to achieve

Biden wants to remind Americans why they elected him four years ago and why they voted against Trump.

Faced with widespread concerns about his age, Biden's primary goal will be to show voters he is capable of running the country for another four years after months of Republican attacks that he has dementia or worse.

He also needs to vigorously defend his record on issues like the economy and immigration, where many voters give him low marks.

Biden also hopes to use the debate to draw an unfavorable contrast with Trump, who many voters now view more favorably than when he left office.

He will surely try to exploit Trump's volatile personality to get him to make damaging statements about his support for the January 6 attack on the Capitol, as well as his felony conviction and ongoing criminal trial in New York.

Chances of Trump winning

First and foremost, Trump wants to be seen as more active and dynamic than Biden.

The former president regularly brags to his loyal supporters about the sharpness of his own mental acuity, contrasting it with Biden's decline and likely wanting to demonstrate it.

Trump will also likely be hoping to mock Biden's ability to address major issues facing the country, such as immigration and inflation.

He could shock the world with a calm, restrained message that America needs change after four years of the Biden administration.

What could be the problem?

For Biden, a senior moment could underscore his age in the worst way possible: It could cement his public image as much more than a White House role.

Trump may have an angry outburst, or he may lash out at Biden in an unpredictable way, reminding millions of why they voted to remove Trump four years ago.

Why this debate isn't as important as you think it is

The last presidential debate took place in mid-September.

The first debate of the year comes early in the political season, so it's unclear whether it will have the same significant impact on public opinion.

Party conventions will be held in July and August, giving both sides an opportunity to reaffirm their appeals to voters.

Barring some dramatic, defining event, this debate may fade from voters' minds by November.

Any further discussion?

The second debate is scheduled for Sept. 10 on ABC. Trump has called for more head-to-head action, but Biden has not agreed.

A debate is expected to take place between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's pick for running mate, but the two sides have yet to agree on a date or details.

What about RFK Jr.?

Vaccine-skeptical independent candidates did not receive enough support in the polls and were not eligible to vote in states that hold the majority of the electoral votes.