Biden and Trump prepare to faceoff for presidential debate in Atlanta

June 26th, 2024

President Biden and former President Trump are preparing for what may be the most consequential presidential debate in decades. — In this combination of photos, President Joe Biden speaks on Aug. 10, 2023, in Salt Lake City, from left, former President Donald Trump speaks on July 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo, File)

The battleground state of Georgia is hosting the first 2024 debate between the presumptive Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will make their bids for a second term on Thursday night, broadcast live from Atlanta.

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali and Tammy Greer, a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University.

Bali joins the program from the State Capitol ahead of a Biden campaign press conference, which featured a notable group of Trump opponents: Former Illinois Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and January 6th Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn.

Bali highlighted the latest information on the debate and the effort both sides are putting in to attract more votes in the Atlanta area.

We then hear from Tammy Greer, a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University. Professor Greer discussed the presidential debate from a national perspective, what’s at stake for each candidate, whether voters care about debates and explains how debates can shape who wins the presidential election.

Greer also explained how political polls don’t always help people gain key insight and stressed the importance of all Georgians exercising their right to vote. She also urged voters to pay attention to the debate because it is likely a key indication of how a candidate will govern.