The upcoming presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is expected to be a contentious and potentially frustrating event for viewers, according to experts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, anticipates that the debate will only serve to deepen the frustration that many Americans have about their choices for president. Todd Graham, a professor of debate in the School of Communication Studies, also predicts a “terrible debate” with lots of flaws, as neither candidate has had debate practice in four years.
Despite the lack of impact that presidential debates typically have on election outcomes, Kenneth Mulligan, an associate professor of political science, notes that they can make a difference in close races.
The debate, scheduled for June 27 in CNN studios in Atlanta, will feature new rules to prevent interruptions and crosstalk, including muting candidates’ microphones until it is their turn to speak and no opening statements. The absence of a studio audience may particularly impact Trump, who thrives on audience interaction.
Graham believes that Biden needs to deliver a strong performance to exceed voters’ expectations, while Shaw expects him to focus on projecting calm maturity while also showing energy and forcefulness. Trump, on the other hand, is not expected to prepare substantively but may focus on attacking Biden and deflecting attention from his own legal troubles.
The experts also anticipate a second presidential debate on Sept. 10, hosted by ABC.