Here’s all of the information you need to watch the first Presidential Debate on television and online on Monday, September 26th.
CNN landed the first of three presidential debates, with the first set to air live on Monday, September 26 at 9pm ET. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton will face off for the first time at Hofstra University in New York in what is being billed as the biggest debate in history. NBC’s Lester Holt will moderate the debate and his questions will revolve around pre-released topics: “America’s direction,” “achieving prosperity,” and “securing America,” all of which are designed to spur lively discussion about the state of America’s economy and national security.
Never before have debates garnered such colossal ratings; the 2016 election cycle shattered television records for primary debate viewership, thanks largely to the unpredictability of Washington outsider turned Republican front man Donald Trump and Democratic rebel with a cause Bernie Sanders.
Social media has played a huge role in the 2016 election cycle and primary viewership, with viewers at home able to weigh in on the nominees through platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. The major networks have capitalized on the social media trend by offering live streams of the upcoming presidential debates along with live blogging and Tweeting throughout the events. This interaction between political pundits and viewers allows for discussion of “the issues” with “real life” Americans.
CNN will broadcast the first debate live on its networks and affiliates, and viewers can also watch online on the CNN website or on the CNNGO app. There will also be live blogging courtesy of CNN Politics that will feature live analysis, commentary and reactions from CNN viewers and pundits.
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Event: 1st Presidential Debate
Duration: 90 minutes
Host: Lester Holt
Date: Monday, September 26
Start Time: 9pm ET
Channel: CNN and CNN family of networks
Live Stream: CNN.com or the CNN app
Next up on the 2016 debate circuit is the Vice President debate between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Mike Pence on October 4th. Two more presidential debates follow on October 9th and October 19.