In a historic first, CNN hosted its inaugural presidential debate for the 2024 election, featuring incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as the presumptive nominees of their respective parties. The debate, held in Atlanta, Georgia—a crucial battleground state—marks a significant moment in American political history, with just over four months remaining until election day.

Moderated by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, the debate was structured to allow each candidate two minutes for responses and closing statements, with no studio audience present. The candidates were positioned based on a coin toss, with Trump appearing on the left and Biden on the right.

Notably absent from the CNN debate was independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been polling in double digits. In response to this exclusion, John Stossel announced a separate streaming event where Kennedy would answer the same questions posed to Biden and Trump, emphasizing the importance of including all significant candidates in the electoral discourse.

As the debate unfolded, both candidates aimed to present their visions for the future of the nation, engaging in a direct confrontation that could shape the political landscape leading up to the election. The event was broadcast across multiple platforms, including CNN International and CNN Español, ensuring a wide reach for viewers both domestically and globally.