President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to face off tonight in their first presidential debate

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6/27/20241 min read

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off tonight in Atlanta for the first of two presidential debates for the 2024 general election, hosted by CNN. Originally, Texas State University in San Marcos was supposed to host the debate on September 16, marking the first presidential debate to be held in Texas. However, both Biden and Trump decided to exclude the Commission on Presidential Debates, placing control of the debates in the hands of the networks. This shift marks the first time in 40 years that a presidential debate is not under the commission's control.

Reasons for Network Control:

Trump's Concerns: President Trump believed some commission members were biased against him, affecting his performance. He also had issues with one of the moderators from the 2020 debates.
Biden's Concerns: President Biden was dissatisfied with the commission's handling of COVID-19 protocols during the first 2020 debate in Cleveland.

Impact on Texas and Other Institutions: The change means Texas State University, along with other planned hosts like Virginia State University and the University of Utah, will lose significant exposure and economic benefits. Hosting a debate often boosts university applications and provides millions in economic impact to the local community.

Viewing Options: The debate will be broadcast live on TV8, News 88.7 FM, and streamed on HoustonPublicMedia.org. The debate begins at 8 p.m. CT.

Expert Opinion: Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan and editor of "Debating the Donald," noted that the exclusion of the commission might have been driven by both candidates' strategic interests. The move impacts the planned hosts financially and in terms of exposure.

This debate marks a significant moment in the 2024 election cycle, offering a direct comparison between the two candidates as they discuss their visions for the future of the United States.