President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump will make history by participating in the first general election presidential debate without an in-person audience in over six decades. The last time such an event took place was back in 1960 when Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy faced off in the first televised debates between presidential candidates.
During that memorable encounter, Kennedy appeared relaxed and tanned, while Nixon, who chose not to wear makeup, looked pale and unshaven. Kennedy’s telegenic appearance played a role in his victory over Nixon in the election. This debate marked the beginning of a series of televised debates between presidential candidates, with the rivals even appearing remotely from New York and Los Angeles in one instance.
Following a 16-year hiatus, presidential debates resumed in 1976 with the inclusion of in-person audiences. Since then, every presidential debate has featured a live audience, including during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump faced each other twice in front of an audience.
This year, Mr. Biden’s team requested no in-person audience to prevent any disruptions during the debate. On the other hand, Mr. Trump, known for thriving on his supporters’ reactions, initially expressed a desire for an audience but ultimately agreed to CNN’s terms, which specified no live audience.
Having an in-person audience has historically played a significant role in presidential debates. Candidates like Bill Clinton in 1992 and Mr. Trump in 2020 have benefited from the energy and interaction with the audience during town hall debates. Such interactions can sway public opinion and impact the outcome of the election.
As the upcoming debate between President Biden and former President Trump marks a return to the no-audience format after six decades, it will be interesting to see how the absence of live reactions will influence the dynamics of the debate and the candidates’ performances. The decision to forgo an in-person audience reflects the evolving nature of political debates and the changing dynamics of communication in the digital age.