Chris Wallace Announces Presidential Debate Format and Topics
The first Presidential Debate, set for next Tuesday, September 29th, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has been a major subject of discussion by both Democrats and Republicans. As both camps prepare their candidates to face each other for the first of three debates, they now have some specific strategies to focus on now that Fox News host Chris Wallace, the moderator of the first debate, announced both the topics and the format Tuesday morning.
Last week’s Town Hall appearances were an early indicator as to what to expect from each of the candidates next Tuesday. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden will be expected to follow the format and stick to the guidelines as set forth by Wallace. Trump has been making unusual demands as well as his usual posturing comments regarding the debates, ranging from asking for drug tests for both himself and Biden to bragging he has no plans to prepare. However, Trump may want to rely on his team and do some last-minute prep, considering they’re now admitting just how strong Biden is at debating.
Conversely, Biden has made no “demands” but has asked for live fact-checking during the debate, a sentiment that has been echoing throughout the coverage both on television as well as social media.
The topics of the first presidential debate, hosted by Chris Wallace, have been announced. But can Wallace stop Trump from lying?https://t.co/6oD7Pa5HyF
— CJR (@CJR) September 22, 2020
Dear Joe. Don't fall for his rants and raves. Stick to facts . Don't let him goad you. He is an awful man that will twist a lie 50 ways to suit his audience.
First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court https://t.co/210rA2xT3r
— Mo Bella🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊#VoteBlueToSaveAmerica (@Mocraig13) September 22, 2020
The 90-minute debate will be divided into six 15-minute discussion areas: Trump’s and Biden’s records, the Supreme Court, the coronavirus pandemic, race and violence in cities, election integrity, and the economy. Some critics voiced their disappointment that Climate Change won’t be included in the first debate, as the entire West Coast is struggling with its worst wildfire season in history.
If presidential debates don't put the climate crises front and center, they will ignore one of the gravest threats to the health and security of the United States. If I were Joe Biden, I'd make a point of saying this. It’s right on the policy, and I suspect right on the politics.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 22, 2020
Imagine holding a presidential debate in the year 2020, as the West Coast is literally on fire, and not addressing the climate change, the existential threat to our entire species. This debate is a joke https://t.co/CUeiB0Kne2
— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) September 22, 2020