On Tuesday at 6 p.m., President Trump and Former Vice President Joe Biden take the stage in the first of three general election debates.
Scottsdale-based political analyst Kristin Arnold says this debate will probably be one of the most-watched television events of the year. Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace will serve as moderator. Arnold says Wallace has a reputation for being a strong interviewer and will probably force candidates to answer his questions.
"He is known for asking really tough questions," Arnold said. "He's known for interrupting to make sure that he gets clear answers to the questions that he asks. He's very cool and he doesn't let anything get under his skin."
President Trump is known for name-calling and theatrics during debates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the audience in the venue will be limited to about 75 people, potentially robbing the President of the chance to draw thunderous applause.
"It's going to be more flat," Arnold said. "I think Chris Wallace is gonna do a pretty good job of making sure that it’s not a fistfight, or that they’re not going to be using kind of the theatrics.”
The debate will cover both candidates’ records, as well as Supreme Court nominations, the coronavirus pandemic, and election integrity.
“It’s all up to the moderator to really keep the conversation focused," Arnold said. "I do think that there will be some emotion, I think there will be some heat, and that’s not a bad thing. I think the American public needs to see how these candidates react to tough questions, not only from the moderator, but from the other candidate.”
The debate will be broadcast live on KJZZ. The next two debates are scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22.
