Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Live Coverage: 1st Presidential Debate Between Clinton, Trump White House spokesman Josh Earnest said earlier Monday that President Barack Obama would be working Monday night, when the first presidential debate is going on. But that the television would be on in the background, tuned to the debate instead of Monday night football. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump meet at 9 p.m. EDT (0100 UTC) Monday for the first presidential debate this election season. NBC's Lester Holt will be the moderators. The debate topics are America's sirection, achieving prosperity and securing America.