The Biden-Trump debate is TV history in the making

Endless name-calling. Demands for last-minute drug tests. Millions spent on advertising.

No, it’s not a title fight or the Super Bowl — it’s a presidential debate. 

Driving the news: Despite many thinking it wouldn’t happen, the first of two presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump will air tonight on CNN at 9 p.m. ET. Some top issues expected to be discussed are immigration, abortion, and how freaking old these guys are. 

  • Biden will use the debate to remind viewers of their distaste for the ex-prez and his extreme behaviour. Trump will use it to grill Biden for overseeing "a world on fire."

Why it matters: Biden vs. Trump II is shaping up to be one of the closest U.S. presidential races in history. With a substantial 20% of voters undecided, per a Reuters and Ipsos poll, a strong debate showing from either candidate could be the X-factor that breaks the current deadlock

Bottom line: There may be no live audience, but undecided voters will be watching — an Associated Press poll found 64% of respondents are likely to tune in to some or all of the debate. The last Biden-Trump match-up was the third most-watched U.S. prez debate in TV history.—QH