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Democrat Joe Biden, the current president, and Republican Donald Trump, the former president, meet Thursday, June 27, for the first debate either candidate has been in since 2020. 

The presumed presidential rematch has been set for months — with both candidates earning the necessary primary wins to gain their party nominations, which they’ll formally accept at conventions later this summer. 

MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with presidential scholars and a former presidential candidate about the work it takes to prepare for a presidential debate and how Thursday’s debate could impact both campaigns over the next few months. 

Politics Friday will return to the airwaves later this fall for our weekly coverage of the 2024 Election. Until then, we’re coming straight to your podcast feeds — occasionally — throughout the summer.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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Are you ready for a Joe Biden and Donald Trump presidential debate? It’s only June, but this week brings the first head-to-head showdown. MPR News host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about whether debates offer voters substance or are more just for show. 

The stage is set for a Biden, Trump debate. What they say could have implications on an already tight race.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden participate in final debate 

Politics Friday: The stage is set for a Biden, Trump debate that could have implications on a tight race

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