How to watch Biden and Trump in first 2024 presidential debate
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President Biden and former President Trump will face off Thursday in the first presidential debate of 2024 — the first in U.S. history between a sitting and former president.
The big picture: CNN is hosting the debate, which for the first time in more than three decades isn't organized by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.
- It's also the earliest presidential debate in modern history, coming before either candidate has officially been nominated by their parties.
- There will be no live studio audience, which is a major change from past debates.
- Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not qualify, CNN said last week. Instead, he will have his own debate with John Stossel.
- Follow Axios' live coverage of the debate and watch the debate here.
What time is the presidential debate Thursday?
State of play: The debate starts at 9pm ET Thursday, June 27 and will be held in CNN's Atlanta studios.
How long is the presidential debate tonight?
The debate is 90 minutes and includes two commercial breaks, CNN said.
Where to watch the 2024 presidential debate live
The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max, the network said in a news release.
- Other major cable news networks, including Fox News, ABC, NBC, CNBC and MSNBC, will also air the debate live and have programming before and after it.
How to stream the presidential debate
Between the lines: CNN will also air the debate live on CNN.com without a cable login.
- Media outlets including CNN, USA Today and many local television stations are also streaming the debate live on YouTube.
- MSNBC told Axios it will stream the debate on Peacock and on its website.
- Axios is also streaming the debate live here.
Who is moderating the CNN presidential debate?
CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will serve as moderators at a closed studio in Atlanta.
- CNN political director David Chalian told the New York Times that Tapper and Bash would focus on "facilitating the debate between these candidates, not being a participant in that debate."
When is the second presidential debate?
The second presidential debate is set for Sept. 10 and will be hosted by ABC News with David Muir and Linsey Davis serving as moderators.
- This debate will also be simulcast on other broadcast and streaming news networks, per an ABC press release.
- Additional details, including on the debate format, haven't been announced.
More from Axios:
- Trump claims debate ambush as expectations swing wildly
- Clinton to Biden: Rebutting Trump's debate "blather" is a "waste of time"
- Poll shows Trump with slight lead over Biden in Georgia ahead of first debate
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information and networks airing Thursday's debate.
