President Joe Biden has been involved in numerous debates throughout his political career, making him one of the most experienced debaters in American politics. Here are some key facts about his debate history:

First Debate

Biden’s first presidential debate was in 1988, when he was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. He debated several other candidates, including Gary Hart and Jesse Jackson.

Vice Presidential Debates

As Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden participated in three vice presidential debates (2008, 2012, and 2016). He debated Republican vice presidential candidates Sarah Palin, Paul Ryan, and Mike Pence, respectively.

Presidential Debates

In the 2020 presidential election, Biden debated incumbent President Donald Trump three times. The debates were held on September 29, 2020, October 15, 2020, and October 22, 2020.

Total Debates

Including his vice presidential and presidential debates, Biden has participated in a total of seven debates.

Longest-Serving Politician in Debates

Biden is indeed the longest-serving politician to have participated in debates, with a career spanning over 54 years.

Early Political Career

Biden has been in politics since 1970, winning election to the New Castle County Council. He served until 1972, when he challenged the likable, 63-year-old, two-term Senator J. Caleb Boggs, a Republican. It was an audacious gamble by the cocky 29-year-old unknown. Even if he won, Biden would have to wait by law until his 30th birthday to take his seat.

Overall Experience

President Biden’s extensive debate experience has prepared him well for the high-stakes debates that come with being a presidential candidate. His ability to think on his feet, articulate his policies, and engage with his opponents has been a key factor in his success in these debates.

Upcoming Debate

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will hold the first of two scheduled US presidential debates on Thursday, a high-stakes rematch between two well-defined political foes.

Significance of the Debate

The earlier-than-usual confrontation will give both men a chance to make their case for a second term to what could be one of the largest television and internet audiences of the election cycle.

Candidate Strategies

Both candidates arrive at the debate with a similar goal: magnify the other’s weaknesses. Trump’s vision for a second term includes threats to prosecute his political enemies and a promise to pardon rioters involved in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Biden, meanwhile, will need to confront the electorate’s deep malaise, discontent over his handling of the economy, and the US-Mexico border.

Debate Rules

The CNN-hosted event, moderated by network anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will run for 90 minutes with two scheduled commercial breaks. The debate will take place in an Atlanta studio without an audience, with candidates’ microphones muted when it is not their turn to speak.

Public Interest

About six in ten Americans say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to tune into the debate live or to watch parts of it afterward, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Conclusion

President Biden’s extensive debate experience and strategic approach are expected to be on full display during the upcoming debates. His long history of public service and political debates make him a formidable opponent in any political contest.