CNN gave President Joe Biden an option ahead of the first presidential debate to choose between two debate advantages. He opted for stage positioning over a closing statement advantage that could shape how viewers perceive him in the critical showdown against former President Donald Trump.
Biden won the coin toss conducted by CNN. It allowed him to choose between the placement on the debate stage or the opportunity to deliver the final remarks of the evening. He chose to position himself on the left side of the stage, translating to the right side of the television screen for viewers at home.
Biden’s decision could be a calculated move to maximize visibility. It could potentially capitalize on some studies suggesting viewers’ eyes are naturally drawn to the right side of a screen. While the White House has not offered an official explanation, there may be psychological reasoning behind Biden’s choice.
In a similar context, late-night talk show hosts consistently prefer the “stage left” placement, aligning them on the right side of television screens. According to Slate Magazine, this positioning centers around the cultural tendency to read and watch from left to right. The right side of the screen commands more attention.
This is not unfamiliar territory for Biden. In the 2020 presidential debates against Trump, Biden also stood on the right side of the screen, maintaining a consistent strategy in televised confrontations.
With just days left before the debate and a significant portion of voters still undecided or leaning toward third-party options, the stakes are high. Recent polling from Reuters indicates 20% of voters remain uncommitted or are considering alternative candidates. That poll highlights the importance of the upcoming debate performances.
In the latest NPR/PBS poll, Trump and Biden are tied at 49% each among likely voters. The poll underscores the competitiveness of the race.
Financially, the campaigns also remain locked in a tight battle. Despite trailing in fundraising earlier this year, Trump closed the gap, surpassing Biden’s fundraising efforts in April and May. More notably, Trump raised tens of millions of dollars after a jury convicted him of falsifying business records.
Both campaigns are preparing for a fundraising push with hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank. With just months to go until Election Day, and days until the first debate, campaign season is in full swing.
