Biden, Trump face off in U.S. presidential debate, but don’t shake hands | CBC News

U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, are meeting Thursday for the first general election debate of the 2024 season — a chance for both candidates to try to reshape the political narrative and persuade undecided voters.

Biden, the Democratic incumbent, has the opportunity to reassure voters that, at 81, he’s capable of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges.

Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump could use the moment to try to move past his felony conviction in New York and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office.

Thursday’s debate has begun with a recitation of the rules by the hosts, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. No audience is present.

Biden and Trump both slowly walked to their respective podiums as they arrived on the debate stage. They did not shake hands.