What Time Is The Presidential Debate? How To Watch Joe Biden And Donald Trump Tonight 

Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden will face off for the first time since 2020 in a debate tonight. The event comes on the heels of the Biden campaign releasing a statement last month saying that the current president would be open to debating the former on two occasions ahead of November’s election. 

With many essential issues on the ballot this coming election, it is more important than ever for voters to be informed on the candidates’ stances on hot-button topics and their plans if they make it to the White House — and our goal is to make that easier than ever.

Here’s everything you need to know about watching tonight’s presidential debate, including what time the debate is, how long the debate is, and how to stream the presidential debate live. 

Keep reading for more info.

When Is The Trump vs. Biden 2024 Debate?

The debate between Trump and Biden will air live at 9 p.m. EST tonight and will likely be available to stream in the following days. There is currently a subsequent debate scheduled for Sept. 10. 

How Long Is The Presidential Debate?

The debate is scheduled to last for 90 minutes. There will be post-event coverage with correspondents on their respective networks to debrief about the topics discussed. 

Where Can I Watch Biden and Trump Debate?

The debate, hosted by CNN, will air live on their network, including their International and Spanish broadcasts, and live on Max ($9.99+/month). Those who do not have subscriptions to cable or Max can also watch on CNN.com.

CNN has offered other networks a free simulcast of the debate if they agree to their terms, including keeping the network’s on-air watermark on screen and only referring to the event as the “CNN Presidential Debate,” amongst other requirements. As of publication time, Fox News, ABC, NBC and C-SPAN have all agreed to the terms and will carry the broadcast.

In addition, The New York Times will be live-streaming the debate alongside real-time commentary and reporter analysis. 

How Can I Watch For Free?

Aside from watching on CNN.com, free trials are available of Hulu+LiveTV (3 days), DirecTV Stream (5 days), and FuboTV (7 days).

What Else Should I Know About The Trump vs. Biden Debate?

The event will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and will break tradition by taking place without a live audience. There will be two three-and-a-half minute commercial breaks throughout the event, during which candidates are not allowed to confer with their teams.

Opening statements are not expected, and the candidates will have two minutes each to answer every question, per the Associated Press. Microphones will be automatically muted while the other candidate is speaking, and pre-written notes will not be allowed on stage. From the results of a coin toss, Trump is set to make the closing arguments of the evening. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not make an appearance at the debate, as he failed to meet CNN’s polling criteria to participate, according to CBS News. 

So, set aside your evening to tune in, get educated, and go vote.