President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump are set to face off tonight in the first televised debate of the election year.

‌The debate marks the first major challenge between the two White House hopefuls in the 2024 race, and could be critical in an election between two men who are almost neck and neck in the polls.

It is the first of two agreed-upon debates in which the candidates compete in moderated discussion on national television.‌ CNN is hosting the first debate, which will start tonight at 9pm ET (1am GMT). Find out how to watch the debate here.

‌There will be no live audience in a break from usual tradition, and the candidates’ microphones will also be deactivated when it is the other’s turn to speak, in moves specifically requested by Mr Biden’s team. 

The president’s team will be hoping to avoid Mr Biden making one, or more, of his trademark gaffes, which could exacerbate concerns about the octogenarian’s age and mental acuity.

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