Five flashpoints
Good morning and welcome to US Election Countdown. I'm Steff Chávez, the FT's Washington reporter.
It’s presidential debate night in the US — be sure to check out FT.com this evening for our live coverage! In the meantime, let’s talk about:
- What to expect in tonight’s debate
- A defence executive’s Trump troubles
- Freight companies’ tariff warnings
Get the popcorn ready — tonight marks Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s first face-to-face meeting in four years.
The two will square off in Atlanta, Georgia, at 9pm ET in a debate hosted by CNN. Here are five flashpoints to look out for [free to read].
1. Fitness for office
With just two advertisement breaks and no prepared materials allowed, we’ll get the chance to assess the candidates’ stamina. At 81, Biden’s been plagued by questions about his physical and mental fitness — and Trump, 78, is not much younger.
Their first go-round in 2020 was notoriously unruly. Trump constantly interrupted his opponent (which ultimately hurt the then-president) and caused Biden to snap: “Will you shut up, man?”
2. Trump’s felony conviction
Biden has been hesitant to hit Trump on his long list of legal issues, including his recent New York conviction on 34 criminal counts. However, Democrats have been calling Trump a “convicted felon” more frequently.
Going after Trump’s legal dramas poses some risk to Biden — his family is still reeling from the recent conviction of his son, Hunter Biden, for possessing a gun illegally. . . . Register for the FT to keep reading the newsletter for free.
Dipl.ing Elektrotechnik , Solar Technology
1moThe best will be win
Independent Economist, Advisor, and Commentator; Headnote Speaker; Principal - PP Advisory.
1moA debate between the evils of two lessers rather than the lesser of two evils.
VMWare engineer.
1moI'll watch the gaffs later , when some real things are censored then eventually leaked. After being Factchecked by the CIA 5 eyes cretens.
Tapasya Singh good ol shots days
Private Investor / Business Development
1moI hope we can collectively get to a time and place where political discourse stops hurting. When I say that, I mean that for the entire world as well as for tonight's debate.