The first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is set to take place on Thursday, June 27, at 9 p.m. EDT.
This highly anticipated face-off, which comes much earlier than usual in the election cycle, promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. With both candidates neck and neck in national polls, this debate is critical for both campaigns.
Where can I stream the Presidential Debate?
While CNN is playing host to Thursday’s debate, there are numerous online options – both free and subscription-based – that give you access to the live event. The C-SPAN Now app for iOS and Android devices gives you free access on mobile and tablets.
| Service | Monthly Price | Free Trial | TV or Online |
| C-SPAN Now app | Free | N/A | Mobile iOS & Android only |
| CNN.com | Free | N/A | Online |
| Sling TV | $40-$55 | No | TV/Online |
| Hulu Live TV | $76.99-$89.99 | Yes | TV/Online |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $79.99-$164.99 | Yes | TV/Online |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | Yes | TV/Online |
| CNN on Max | $9.99-$15.99 | No | TV/Online |
Where is the Presidential Debate happening?
The debate is being hosted at CNN’s Atlanta studio. CNN Anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash are the moderators.
Both Biden and Trump agreed to the terms of the debate. There will be no live audience, ensuring a focused and controlled environment. Microphones will be muted except when it’s a candidate’s turn to speak, a measure taken to avoid the interruptions that marred the 2020 debates.
CNN Streaming Options
The debate will be available on various CNN platforms, providing multiple ways to watch:
- TV: CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN Max.
- Online: Stream live without a cable login on CNN.com.
Additionally, CNN will make the debate available for simulcast on other broadcast and cable news networks in the United States.
Access CNN to Stream Biden vs Trump debate on TV using a free trial
If you prefer other streaming options, several paid services will also broadcast the debate. Many offer free trials, so you can sign up to watch the debate without a long-term commitment.
Hulu + Live TV
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.
DIRECTV STREAM
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia
YouTube TV
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.
Sling TV
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.
CNN on Max
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| With Ads | $9..99/month | Live CNN debate & Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
| Ad-Free | $15.99/month | Live CNN debate & Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99/month | Live CNN debate & Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
Cloud DVR Storage: N/A, On-demand
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: No
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Cox device, LG Smart TV, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, VIZIO Smart TV, Xbox, XClass TV/Xumo TV, Xfinity X1 and Flex.
C-SPAN Now app: Free on iPhones & Android mobile
C-SPAN will provide a free simulcast of the debate across multiple platforms. The C-SPAN Now app is available on iPhones and Android smartphones.
Casting the debate from the C-SPAN Now app to your TV is not an option based on my testing. However, if you are fine with watching on your phone, the app is a viable option that doesn’t require a cable plan.
If you already have a paid TV plan, you can watch on CNN or the simulcast on C-SPAN2.
Coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET, an hour before the debate, and will include viewer calls, social media reactions, and insights from the spin room.
You can also access the debate through:
- C-SPAN Radio
- C-SPAN.org
- C-SPAN NOW app
Greta Brawner will host C-SPAN’s primetime program. Amazon Fire TV has a C-SPAN.org app via its Silk web browser that lets you access the debate on C-SPAN’s website.
Biden vs Trump Debate
The debate comes at a critical juncture, with both candidates addressing significant campaign issues. President Biden, 81, is looking to counter negative coverage about his age and improve his poll numbers. Former President Trump, 78, is focused on maintaining his lead and has been vocal about not underestimating Biden.
Trump and Biden will debate again on Sept. 10.
With numerous ways to watch the debate, from free options like the C-SPAN Now app to various streaming services offering free trials, there’s no reason to miss this important event.
Tune in on June 27 to see the first major clash of the 2024 presidential race.
