Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
June 27 , 2024
Atlanta - President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in an unexpected format for their first 2024 presidential debate, discussing the season premiere of the hit FX series "The Bear" on Thursday evening.
The 90-minute event, held at CNN's Atlanta headquarters, deviated from traditional debate topics as moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash guided the candidates through a discussion of the Emmy-winning show's third season opener.
Both candidates appeared caught off-guard by the unconventional subject matter. Biden praised the show's portrayal of small business challenges, while Trump focused on the cutthroat nature of the restaurant industry depicted in the series.
The debate took an unusual turn when the candidates were asked to relate their leadership styles to those of the show's protagonist, Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto. Biden emphasized the importance of teamwork and delegation, while Trump highlighted his experience in the hospitality industry.
Viewers and pundits alike expressed surprise at the debate's focus. Political analyst Arthur Morris commented, "While unconventional, this format provided a unique lens through which to view the candidates' problem-solving skills and cultural awareness."
The candidates are scheduled to meet again on September 10 for a more traditional debate on ABC. It remains to be seen whether future debates will continue to incorporate pop culture elements or return to standard political discourse.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.