Debate Rules Released By CNN as Trump and Biden Prepare for High-Stakes Rematch
With less than two weeks to go until the first Presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, debate host CNN just released its rules, which include microphone muting, no props and coin flips.
The stage is set for the high-stakes Presidential election rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, with both candidates agreeing to the new debate rules ahead of the first 2024 election debate on June 27.
CNN, the host of the event, has laid out stringent debate rules designed to ensure a structured and interruption-free discussion.
The debate, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will be held in Atlanta, a crucial battleground city in the state of Georgia. Biden and Trump have accepted CNN’s invitation agreeing to the debate rules, which aim to focus on policy issues.
“We wanted two debates, we wanted to make sure it was fair and not focused on theater, but the actual policy issues here, and he agreed to them,” said Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz. “But what Donald Trump is continuing to do, he’s playing games with the American people because he does not want to talk about the issues … enough with the games.”
Presidential Election Debate Rules
One of the most notable debate rules is the muting of microphones. Candidates’ microphones will be on mute except when it is their turn to speak to prevent interruptions and crosstalk. This is a departure from previous debates where interruptions were a frequent issue.
The debate will span 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks during which campaign staff cannot interact with the candidates. Both candidates will stand at uniform podiums, with positions determined by a coin flip. Props and pre-written notes are banned, although candidates will have a pen, a notepad, and a bottle of water.
“Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak,” CNN stated.
The new debate rules will also give the moderators the authority to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion, a necessary measure given the contentious nature of past debates.
The absence of a live audience is another significant change from previous debates, aiming to create a more controlled environment. This setting will allow the candidates to focus more on their policies and less on audience reactions.
Could RFK Jr. Join the Debate?
CNN’s stringent criteria for participation mean that only those candidates who meet constitutional requirements, appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes and receive at least 15% in four national polls can join the debate. Currently, this includes Biden and Trump, with independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. close to qualifying.
Biden Campaign Takes Aim at Trump’s Conviction
The debate comes at a critical time, preceding the presidential nominating conventions and amid significant legal challenges for Trump. Recently convicted of 34 felony counts related to hush money payments, Trump faces a sentencing that could impact his campaign. Despite this, he remains a formidable contender.
Biden’s campaign has launched a $50 million ad campaign targeting Trump’s legal troubles, emphasizing the former president’s conviction. Trump’s team has dismissed the trial as a sham and continues to focus on key issues such as immigration, public safety, and inflation.
With both candidates bringing distinct priorities to the debate stage, the event promises to be a crucial moment in the 2024 election cycle. Biden aims to address abortion rights, the state of democracy, and the economy. While Trump, on the other hand, will look to highlight immigration, public safety, and inflation.
The upcoming debate, therefore, is not just a test of the candidates’ policies but also their ability to adhere to the rules and present their visions for the future without resorting to theatrics. As millions of Americans tune in, the impact of this debate on the race could be profound.
The second debate, hosted by ABC, is on September 10th.
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