The countdown is on to the first debate of the 2024 election cycle

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The countdown is on to the first debate between President Biden and former President Trump this election cycle. It’s the earliest presidential debate ever and the campaigns are in high gear to gain excitement for their candidates.

President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump will face off on the debate stage again Thursday night and supporters of both candidates urge voters to tune in.

“The difference between these two candidates in this race couldn’t be more stark,” said Biden-Harris 2024 Senior Advisor TJ Ducklo.

TJ Ducklo, a senior advisor for the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, says President Biden will bring substance to the debate and a second term in the White House.

“Versus the chaos and terrible results that would come from a second Donald Trump term,” said Ducklo.

President Biden picked up a key endorsement Wednesday from former Illinois congressman and Republican Adam Kinzinger.

“The stakes at this moment are way too high,” said Kinzinger.

Trump supporters, including New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, argue the country was better during the Trump administration years.

“President Trump’s America First agenda delivered the securest border in our nation’s history, a booming economy helping family small business manufacturers and farms, American Energy Independence and peace through strength,” said Stefanik.

The Trump campaign is keeping the former president’s debate plans under wraps but House Speaker Mike Johnson insists he’s ready.

“I spent a lot of time with him last week down at Mar A Lago and then on the phone over the weekend, and he’s in a very good place,” said Johnson.

Johnson says no amount of prep work will help President Biden.

“It doesn’t matter if he drinks a whole gallon of energy drinks. He’s not going to be able to match the acumen and the readiness of Donald Trump,” Johnson added.

Thursday’s debate is one of two before voters cast their ballots in November.  In a break from tradition this debate will not have a live audience and the candidates’ mics will be cut to prevent interruptions all to minimize the potential of a rerun of the 2020 debates where the candidates were constantly talking over each other.

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