MOLINE, Ill —
Live: 2024 Presidential Debate
Thursday’s clash between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican ex-President Donald Trump may be the most consequential presidential debate in decades.
Biden is desperately seeking momentum amid pervasive concerns about his age and leadership on key foreign and domestic policies. Trump will step onto the stage brimming with confidence, despite his status as the only presidential debate participant ever convicted of a felony.
Each candidate has glaring flaws that present their opponent with tremendous opportunity — and risk — if he can take advantage. Stumbles will be hard to erase or replace quickly. The next debate won’t be until September.
President Biden won the coin toss and chose the podium on the right side of the TV screen. Former President Trump got to pick the order of closing statements – and he chose to have the last word.
How to Watch the Presidential Debate on WQAD
WQAD will be simulcasting the first hour of the CNN debate on our main channel. You can watch it on WQAD from 8-9 p.m. Then from 9-10 p.m. the simulcast will move to MyTV8-3. WQAD will show the Indiana Fever at Seattle Storm game starting at 9 p.m.
Here's how to watch:
Watch the Presidential Debate Online
News 8 will also stream ABC’s coverage of the presidential debate from 6-11 p.m. CT, including pre-debate coverage and post-debate analysis. The debate starts at 8 p.m., here on the News 8 website.
What experts will be closely watching
Augustana College Political Science Professor Paul Baumgardner thinks Trump will attack Biden's age, while Biden will hit Trump on his legal issues.
"I think both candidates are going to want to sneak in more ad hominem attacks," Professor Baumgardner said.
News 8 asked Baumgardner how much he thinks the debate could sway the November election.
"I do think both camps are going to try to find those sound bites that then they can use in advertising across battleground states," Baumgardner said. "So there is a possibility that a gaff here or a great statement there could have a later impact in key states."
In terms of policy, Baumgardner expects a couple of key topics to come up.
"I would be surprised if issues like abortion don't pop up, especially because we're seeing the Democratic Party spend a lot of money on advertising on this topic," he said." "Inflation is going to be a big one. I would be surprised if former President Trump does not try to hammer away at the cost of gas and the cost of groceries."
Professor Baumgardner feels it's important for Biden to come across as youthful and energetic during the debate. And for Trump, Baumgardner says it's important that he handles well the questions pertaining to his legal troubles.
73 million people tuned into Trump and Biden's first debate back in 2020, making it the third most watched debate ever. A new Associated Press poll shows about 60 percent of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" likely to tune in Thursday.
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