BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After years of public squabbling, personal attacks and court cases, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are slated to face off in a prime-time debate Thursday in a matchup unlike any other in American history.
The 90-minute debate, scheduled for 9 p.m. on CNN with moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will pit the bitter political rivals against each other on the same stage for the third time in four years.
It will mark the first time two men who have served as president have debated one another on national television, and the earliest presidential debate in American history.
But while the event may make for excellent television, it's unlikely to move the needle much for the two candidates, said Tim Blessing, a professor of history and political science at Alvernia University in Reading.
Political campaigns relentlessly prepare for the television events, and candidates train to fit scripted answers to anticipated questions. The candidates rarely delve deep into policy matters or say something profound that will viewers stop and reconsider their opinions, Blessing said.
"Discussions in the Oval Office are not one-liners. It’s all sizzle and no steak," he said of the debates.
Who's undecided?
A breakout moment for either candidate is even more far-fetched than usual given the two men's status as well-known, deeply unpopular candidates — the polling website FiveThirtyEight.com placed Trump and Biden favorability scores at 41% and 39% respectively as of Wednesday.
Given their established records and entrenched public perceptions, it will be difficult for either candidate to move the needle with likely voters, according to Blessing.
"I can’t imagine what's going to happen. We’ve never seen a debate like this."Tim Blessing, professor of history and political science at Alvernia University
Still, that won't stop millions of Americans from tuning in and potentially making critical decisions based off Biden and Trump's performances, Blessing said. Instead, it may come down to which candidate can avoid a poor showing that could tip the scales in what polls suggest is a neck-and-neck race.
Trump and his allies have relentlessly attacked Biden over his age, arguing the 81-year-old doesn't have the stamina or vitality to remain president another four years.
Any speaking gaffes by Biden, who has been known for his stutter and verbal slip-ups for decades, have been seized on as signs of mental decline by his opponents. And while Trump is no spring chicken at 78, his animated public appearances have batted away questions about his own ability to weather another four years in the White House, Blessing said.
It should be a low bar for Biden to remain alert and on point throughout the debate, Blessing said, noting his forceful State of the Union address earlier this year. But things could be different in in the Atlanta television studio.
No audience energy
As per the terms of the debate, there will be no audience in attendance, and the candidates won't be able to feed off the energy in the room, Blessing said.
"A large percentage of Americans don’t want to see either of these two old guys in there, but for Biden, it’s really a concern," he said.
Similarly, Trump will need to prove he has the temperament to serve a second term in the West Wing.
"A large percentage of Americans don’t want to see either of these two old guys in there, but for Biden, it’s really a concern."Tim Blessing, history and political science professor at Alvernia University
Blessing said Biden will be sure to criticize Trump for his actions before and during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol; his recent convictions on defamation and falsifying business documents in civil and criminal courts; and his outstanding criminal charges for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election and improper stashing of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago, Fla., estate.
Trump needs to find a way to come across as a reasonable everyman if he has any hope of winning over independents and other voters who may buck their party, Blessing said. While that may seem like a stretch given his status as a billionaire, reality TV star and convicted felon, polling suggests that Trump isn't held to the same standards as most politicians, Blessing said.
"If he can do that on stage, he will probably be president," he said.
Between the candidates' history, mutual animosity for one another and personal blemishes, plus the break from the typical debate format, Blessing said it's unclear how the debate could shape the race.
"I can’t imagine what's going to happen," he said. "We’ve never seen a debate like this."
