In the highly-anticipated first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off without any assistance from their campaign teams or any props. As the candidates spent the last few days preparing for the debate, Biden reportedly engaged in mock debates at the Camp David presidential retreat, while Trump worked closely with his former chief of staff and also enlisted the help of a former White House counsel. All eyes will be on the two candidates for 90 minutes tonight as they rely solely on their own preparation and debate skills.
Washington, D.C. - In a highly-anticipated showdown, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will meet in their first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign tonight without any assistance from their campaign teams or any props.
Preparation
Biden reportedly engaged in mock debates at the Camp David presidential retreat in the days leading up to the debate, while Trump worked closely with his former chief of staff and a former White House counsel. Both candidates have emphasized the importance of relying solely on their own preparation and debate skills.
Format
The 90-minute debate will be moderated by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and will follow a traditional debate format with opening and closing statements from each candidate and moderated questions.
Background
This is the first time in modern history that two former presidents will face each other in a presidential debate. Biden and Trump previously faced off in three debates during the 2020 presidential campaign.
Significance
The debate is expected to be closely watched by voters and will likely have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential race. It will provide the first opportunity for voters to see how the two candidates perform on the debate stage since their last encounter in 2020.
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The prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) faced backlash from students, political leaders, and activists after their decision to dismiss 100 teaching and non-teaching staff due to lack of funds. The Progressive Students' Forum (PSF) and other student bodies condemned the mass termination and urged the administration to revoke the order. Meanwhile, opposition parties like CPI (M) and RJD criticized the BJP-led government for its "misplaced priorities" in higher education. The institute has now withdrawn the order after the Tata Education Trust assured to provide necessary resources.
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The Assam Police have confirmed the arrest of nine individuals, including the prime accused, in connection with a marksheet scam at Gauhati University. The crackdown, which has spanned multiple locations including Guwahati, Barpeta, and Dhubri, came to light after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared startling revelations during a press briefing in Barpeta. Sarma noted that the Barpeta police and CID are handling the case with confidentiality, but raised concerns that similar scams could be occurring in other universities. It is important to note that the scam was uncovered after discrepancies were detected in the marks of an undergraduate student at Ganeshlal Choudhary College in Barpeta Road.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the alleged paper leak case of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG). The controversy began when the results were declared on June 4, resulting in arrests, an expert committee, and calls for a parliamentary debate by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. President Droupadi Murmu also addressed the issue during a joint session of both Houses.
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