Biden and Trump to face off in first presidential debate as age concerns linger on.

On Thursday, the current USA Democratic president, Joe Biden, 81, and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, 78, will face off in Atlanta, Georgia, for the first of two debates ahead of the November election, providing Americans with a rare, split-screen assessment of the two men's physical and mental stamina. 

The two oldest major party contenders for the US presidency are President Joe Biden (81), and former President Donald Trump (78). For Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two oldest presidential candidates in history, age is an electoral issue they cannot avoid.

For 90 minutes, under the glare of high-definition cameras, President Biden and former President Trump, who are roughly matched in national popularity polls, will debate on matters ranging from the economy and foreign wars to immigration and the future of democracy.

One slip-up, stumble, or verbal blunder might exacerbate concerns about their senior age, perhaps changing an already tight presidential contest as voters pay heed. But producing a strong performance may be more important for Mr. Biden, the nation's oldest president, who has faced doubts about his stamina and mental fitness since taking office.

The stakes are high as both men try to convince voters they deserve their ballot on 5 November.

Microphones will be muted when it is the other candidate's turn to speak, in an effort to reduce interruptions.

The two rivals debate for the first time since 2020.