Atlanta, Georgia – When former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden face off in their upcoming debate, it will mark a historic occasion as the first time a current president has debated his predecessor. The tension between the two men is palpable, given Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election and his absence at Biden’s inauguration.

Both candidates are out of practice, having not participated in any debates in nearly four years. The absence of a live audience in the cable television studio adds a unique element to the debate, with muted microphones for candidates during their opponent’s speaking time aimed at preventing the chaos that characterized their previous encounter.

Expectations are high for both candidates, with Trump’s campaign attempting to nudge the bar higher for Biden’s performance. The debate is not just a battle of policies, but a test of each candidate’s ability to sway American voters and dispel negative perceptions.

As they prepare to face off, both candidates are faced with the challenge of convincing voters on key issues such as the economy, immigration, healthcare, and the environment. The outcome of the debate could hinge on their ability to land memorable lines on areas of strength while defending their weaknesses.

The personal attacks between the two candidates add another layer of drama to the debate, with Trump’s recent criminal felony conviction and Biden’s son Hunter’s conviction on firearm charges likely to be topics of discussion. Each candidate will be poised to strike, seeking to capitalize on the other’s vulnerabilities.

Despite the significance of this early debate, it may not have a lasting impact on the election as voters will require consistent time and effort from both candidates to solidify their views. This debate marks the start of a marathon campaign, with more opportunities for both candidates to reset and rebuild as the election draws closer.