The Undecideds - Episode 5 - The First Presidential Debate

On Thursday June 27th, 2024, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump took the stage in the first of two planned televised debates. The debate, which took place in Atlanta and was hosted by CNN, was unique in a few ways. The Commission on Presidential Debates, which has organized debates for nearly 40 years, was excluded after both Trump and Biden expressed their dissatisfaction over the organization’s handling of previous debates. CNN had its own debate format that both candidates agreed to. There was no audience, no opening remarks, microphones were cut off after each candidate's allotted time was used, no pre-written notes, and no props or contact with campaign staff during the debate. This also marked the first time two U.S. Presidents have debated each other for the chance to reclaim the White House. 

What ultimately transpired in this debate was 90 minutes of lies, insults, incoherent answers and minimal substance. President Biden appeared to be losing his voice, which his campaign attributed to “battling a cold”. He struggled with completing his thoughts and communicating his positions. The fallout left the Democratic Party in turmoil, with some calling on Biden to step down. Former President Trump repeatedly misrepresented much of his record and told numerous falsehoods on many topics including the economy, immigration and January 6th.

We asked our undecided voters about their thoughts on the debate, their impressions of Biden and Trump, what they would've liked to hear discussed, and if this debate impacted their choice. 

The election is now 110 days away.

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The Undecideds is a Tangle Media Production

This episode was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Jon Lall

Interviews were conducted by Magdalena Bokowa, Will Kaback, Jon Lall, and Ari Weitzman.

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