Hot issues, polarization and the pandemic put the first debate between the US presidential candidates in a very special light.

- It is always special with the first debate - but this year it is extra special due to the pandemic, says Ginna Lindberg who is a guest on SVT's broadcast before the debate.

The debate style interesting to see

In addition to the fact that several incredibly important political issues such as the Republican President Donald Trump and the challenger and Democrat Joe Biden will have completely different views on the agenda - corona management, the economy, racism - it will also be interesting to see the debate style itself, according to Ginna Lindberg.

- Who is attacking whom?

It will be full of personal attacks, she says.

"The choice is extra everything"

However, the extreme polarization in American politics this year means that those who like Trump stick to Trump, and those who like Biden stick to Biden.

Few voters are considered to belong to the group that can be influenced, according to Ginna Lindberg.

Dag Blanck, professor of North American studies at Uppsala University, also emphasizes the special weight of the debate.

- It is very exciting right now because this election is extra polarized and

extra everything

, as they say in the US, he says in SVT's live broadcast.