Biden and Trump Prepare for Early Debate with New Rules Amid Close Polls

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for an early televised presidential debate next Thursday in Atlanta, marking their first in-person encounter since 2020. The debate will feature new rules, including muted microphones to ensure a civilized discussion, and will be moderated by CNN's Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. Polls indicate Trump has a slight edge over Biden in several key swing states, though they are tied in Minnesota. Biden is intensively preparing at Camp David, while Trump opts for informal prep with policy discussions and campaign rallies. The debate is crucial as both candidates aim to sway undecided voters, with Biden focusing on combating inflation and Trump's strategy likely targeting Biden's age and recent performance issues.