Undecided Voters: The Prize for Both Biden and Trump in Thursday’s Presidential Debate

As President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prepare to face off in the 2024 presidential campaign rematch, one critical group remains up for grabs: the undecided voters. While partisans on either side have already made their choices, a sizable segment of the electorate is still pondering which candidate to support in November.

The Undecided Challenge

Christopher Stout, a professor of political science at Oregon State University, highlights the significance of this group. “Opinions about Joe Biden and Donald Trump are baked in,” Stout explains. “However, there’s a lot of people who aren’t paying any attention to politics, and this is their first time thinking about the 2024 election.” These voters represent an opportunity for both candidates to sway opinions and set the tone for the campaign.

Biden’s Objective

For President Biden, the debate offers a chance to demonstrate that the 81-year-old incumbent can be energetic and forceful. He aims to appeal to undecided voters by showcasing his leadership and vision for the country. Expect Biden to emphasize his accomplishments and address key issues like healthcare, climate change, and economic recovery.

Trump’s Strategy

Former President Trump, at 78, may focus on appealing to voters in the ideological middle. He aims to win over wavering Republicans who desire a conservative candidate but were turned off by his previous antics. Trump’s policy strengths lie in areas like immigration and inflation, which he will likely press Biden on during the debate.

The Debate Details

Sponsored by CNN, the debate will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. It will begin at 9 p.m. Eastern, with no studio audience. Each candidate’s microphone will be muted while the other is speaking. No props are allowed, but both men will have a pen, pad, and bottle of water. Trump’s challenge? To appear steady and avoid controversy. If he can be “boring” and look like a typical politician, it might work in his favor with moderate and independent voters.

As the candidates square off, the prize isn’t just victory in the debate—it’s the hearts and minds of those who remain undecided. The 2024 election hinges on their choices, and Thursday night’s clash in Atlanta will play a pivotal role in shaping the campaign ahead.