Joe Biden and Donald Trump will go head to head for the first time in the first of three televised Presidential TV debates.
Presidential debates typically gain wide media coverage and high viewing figures.
The first debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump averaged 84 million viewers, making it the most watched presidential debate in modern history.
Both candidates are deep in preparations for the debates - with campaign schedules remaining light in the final crucial days before they face each other for the first time.
Former Vice President Biden has come under attack from President Trump for ending his campaign schedule early in the day to prepare for the debates.
He’s been branded “Sleepy Joe” and a “low energy individual” by the President - who has repeatedly claimed, without any basis in fact, that “people say” Biden was only able to cope with Primary debates against Bernie Sanders because he was on “performance enhancing drugs.”
But Trump’s attacks may work to Biden’s advantage, lowering expectations for the former Vice President. It could backfire on the President if Biden doesn’t appear like Trump’s caricature.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first Presidential TV debate, and how you can watch in the UK.
What format will the first debate take?
The first debate will take place on the 29th September in Cleveland, Ohio.
It will be hosted by Fox Sunday News host Chris Wallace and will consist of six fifteen minute sections on a different topic chosen by Mr Wallace.
The debate was previously meant to take place at Notre Dame University in Indiana. But in July they had to withdraw due to Covid-19.
Each section will start with a question and the candidates will each have two minutes to respond.
Neither candidate is expected to wear a face covering during the programme - but there won’t be the traditional handshake at the beginning and end of the showdown, due to social distancing rules.
What are the topics for the debate?
- President Trump and Mr Biden’s records
- The Supreme Court
- The integrity of the election
- Covid-19
- Race and violence in US cities
- The economy
What time is the debate?
The debate will take place on Tuesday 29 September, and will start at 9pm Eastern Time - which is 2am in the UK.
How can I watch it in the UK?
The debate will be broadcast live on all major news channels, including BBC News and Sky News, and on CNN which is available on Sky TV in the UK.
You can also watch it live right here on Mirror.co.uk
