In a historic showdown, President Biden and former President Trump will trade barbs in Atlanta Thursday night, kicking off the earliest presidential debate in modern history for the crucial 2024 election.

With Georgia's status as a battleground state and a tight race on the horizon, the debate is shaping up to be a referendum on the nation's most polarizing issues. Voters in Atlanta have a front-row seat to a face-off teeming with high stakes, accusations of past election fraud, and eye-watering ad spends. As CNN sets the stage, both candidates are pulling no punches, hoping to sway the electorate months before Election Day even hits the calendar.

The Peach State is no stranger to political drama, especially with the razor-thin margin by which Biden edged out Trump in the 2020 election. Biden's slim victory by just 11,779 votes out of 5 million cast set the stage for a high-stakes rematch in 2024. Trump's claims of widespread election fraud from that race have led to criminal charges, adding another layer of tension to the debate in Atlanta—it's safe to say there's enough drama to rival a Hollywood thriller.

Georgia's significance in the upcoming election can't be overstated. The state plays host to an electorate as diverse as a bag of mixed nuts, featuring significant Black, Latino, and Asian American populations. Both campaigns have been making concerted efforts to woo these communities, knowing that every vote will be pivotal in what promises to be a tight race. In the most recent polls, Trump has a slim lead over Biden, with a 51% to 48% advantage.

Adding to the excitement, 538 is teaming up with Ipsos to gauge public opinion before and after the debate. The polling aims to capture the immediate impact of the candidates' performances on likely voters. If a single soundbite or zinger can sway the electorate, 538 and Ipsos will be there to record the seismic shift.

As for the candidates, they're sharpening their knives in different ways. Biden has been tucked away at Camp David, prepping with his advisors in a setting that has all the tranquility of a library that's just been shushed. On the flip side, Trump is engaging in policy discussions with GOP lawmakers and experts, likely blending policy with a touch of his trademark bravado. Each man is hoping his preparation will provide the perfect ammunition for Thursday night's battle.

The debate, hosted by CNN on its historic Techwood campus studio, isn't just a spectacle; it's a strategic calculation. With Democrats spending nearly five times as much as Republicans on advertising in Georgia, the debate offers yet another battleground for messaging. Both campaigns have been tirelessly crisscrossing Georgia, organizing events, press conferences, and a slew of voter outreach programs to make their case directly to the electorate. As one might say, the candidates are practically auditioning for the role of 'Georgia's favorite political performer.'

The importance of Georgia in the broader electoral map underscores why the campaigns have put so much effort into outreach. Biden's camp and allied groups have organized more than 1,600 events across battleground states. The sheer volume of events indicates that both campaigns recognize the state's significance. It's almost as if they believe every peach from the Peach State holds a secret to victory.

The anticipation is palpable as Atlanta gears up to host this historic debate. With the race being a pure toss-up, the outcome of the debate could significantly influence the trajectory of the 2024 election. Whether it's through a carefully prepared zinger or a heartfelt plea to the American voter, each candidate knows that the road to the White House could very well run through Georgia.

So as the lights come on in CNN's Techwood campus studio and the candidates step up to their podiums, the nation watches not just for the fireworks but also for the subtle shifts in public opinion that could determine the next leader of the free world. And Atlantans, with their popcorn and peach cobbler, will have a front-row seat to history in the making.