First presidential debate topics include SCOTUS, coronavirus


Ballotpedia's Daily Presidential News Briefing
September 23, 2020: Debate moderator Chris Wallace announced the six topics for the first presidential debate. Maine will use ranked-choice voting in the presidential election.


Presidential Facebook ads, 2019-2020 (September 14-20, 2020)

Notable Quote of the Day

“While everyone is talking about the significance of extending the mail-ballot deadline, it is the naked ballot ruling that is going to cause electoral chaos.”

– Lisa Deeley, Philadelphia City Commissioners chairwoman

Election Updates

  • Fox News anchor Chris Wallace announced the six topics for the first presidential debate: the Trump and Biden records, the Supreme Court, COVID-19, the economy, race and violence in our cities, and the integrity of the election. Wallace is moderating the debate on September 29.
  • The Maine Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a veto referendum on ranked-choice voting (RCV) did not reach the signature threshold required to appear on the ballot. RCV will be used for the first time in a presidential election.
  • The Joe Biden campaign announced it was running a radio advertising campaign in nine battleground states—Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—focused on the coronavirus pandemic and rural communities.
  • Biden is making his first visit to North Carolina since the Democratic primary season on Wednesday. He is attending a Black economic summit in Charlotte.
  • Donald Trump said he would announce his pick for the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
  • Trump will speak at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday morning. The event is taking place virtually.

Flashback: September 23, 2016

NBC News reported on Hillary Clinton’s and Donald Trump’s debate prep.blank

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