The first debate of the 2024 presidential election is tonight (Thursday), and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) expects it to be one of the most watched debates since the first televised one in 1960. National polling averages from FiveThirtyEight show that the presumptive Republican nominee and former President, Donald Trump, is locked in a dead heat with President Joe Biden, with just over four months until the November 5 election. Grassley says he wants to hear both candidates address specific topics.
Grassley says he hopes Trump will spend much of his time on the stage contrasting the two administrations.
The CNN-hosted debate, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. Central Time (CT) tonight, will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. CNN is the primary broadcaster, but the news network has stated the debate will be available via simulcast, free at CNN.com, and on additional broadcast and cable news networks. Grassley made his comments this (Thursday) morning during his weekly Capitol Hill Report with Iowa reporters.