Atlanta debate between Trump and Biden will feature many firsts

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta is just days away from hosting the first presidential debate in American history, which is sure to be filled with more historic firsts.

Already outside CNN’s Midtown studios where the debate will take place, banners were displayed on the building proclaiming it as the location of Thursday evening’s activity. Network news trucks lined up outside, ready to broadcast the event to five major media outlets.

The debate will feature the two oldest candidates to face off on stage for the presidency, and it will also be the first time that two men who have held – or currently hold – the office of president will debate.

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“You can talk about things you really can’t talk about when one or both parties have never been president before,” said Eric Segall, a Georgia State University constitutional law professor.

Among the political questions that are sure to be asked are the economy, abortion, immigration and ongoing global conflicts. The mental abilities of each candidate will also be highlighted. The two men have teased each other for years about each other’s age and intelligence.

Voters will also be watching for high-stakes gaffes that have been commonplace in other presidential debates. But because this is the first debate in U.S. history, it leaves plenty of time for errors to fester.

“What a bizarre state for America in which we hope neither of our two presidential candidates are mentally healthy enough to not make huge mistakes,” Segall said. “If they make a mistake, it’s not amplified for three or four weeks, it’s amplified for a long period of time.”

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The key, Segall said, for both candidates will be their message to undecided voters. While many voters have already firmly made up their minds, Segall said those who haven’t yet could get more out of the event.

“The undecided voters in these swing states are the ones who decided the 2020 and 2016 elections. So when you look at these people, would a debate make a difference? Absolutely,” Segall said. “How do you play with these undecided people without alienating your base? It’s very delicate. Whoever does it best will win this debate.”

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