CNN's Van Jones says it's 'game over' for Joe Biden if he fails to handle himself against Donald Trump

WASHINGTON, DC: As anticipation builds for the upcoming presidential debate, CNN's political commentator Van Jones has emphasized the critical importance of next week's event for President Joe Biden.

In an interview with CNN's Jim Acosta, Jones noted the high stakes for the president, suggesting that a poor performance could significantly impact his campaign, according to The Hill.

Van Jones says it's 'panic in the party' if Joe Biden 'messes up' debate

Speaking to Acosta on Thursday, June 20, Jones said, “This is the entire election, as far as I’m concerned. The entire world will be watching."

“If you are a carbon-based life form, you’re going to be watching. If you’ve got a functioning brain stem, you’re going to be watching,” he continued.

Stressing the potential consequences of a misstep by Biden, Jones said, "If Biden goes out there and messes up, it’s game over. If he walks out there, and a week later he’s lower in the polls, it’s panic in the party."

“But if he goes in there and he can handle himself against Donald Trump — a runaway train, a locomotive, a raging bull — then this guy deserves another shot to be president, because that is tough," said Jones.

Presidential debate and new rules

During the June 27 debate set to be held in Atlanta, Biden and Donald Trump will be the only two candidates on stage, according to CNN.

Dana Bash and Jake Tapper have been selected as the moderators for the forum.

The Atlanta debate is the first of two debates agreed upon by the candidates and introduces new rules designed to maintain order.

Both candidates' microphones will be muted except when it’s the turn for that candidate to speak and the moderators will be able to “use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.”

Unlike previous debates, there will be no studio audience, as per the new rules.

Van Jones describes debate against Donald Trump as a formidable task

Speaking about how debating against Trump is a formidable task, Jones said that winning the debate against the former president would positively impact Biden's campaign.

“You couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it. If you can stand toe-to-toe with a runaway train like Donald Trump for an hour and a half, you are fit to be president, period, point-blank," said Jones.

“This is the whole presidency in a bottle in a week,” the political analyst added.

The second presidential debate is scheduled to be held on September 10 and will be hosted by ABC.