CNN announces rules for June 27 Biden-Trump debate
WASHINGTON — CNN announced additional details on the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for what is expected to be a tumultuous stand off between the two front-runners ahead of the general election.
The 90-minute debate, held in Atlanta will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Both campaign have already accepted the invitation to the debate and agreed to the rules set forth in the debate, according to CNN.
There will be two commercial breaks but campaign staff can’t interact with the candidates during that time. The debate won’t feature a live studio audience – as have other general election debates in the past – and candidates’ podium positions will be determined by a coin flip, according to a CNN news release.
And more notably, microphones will be muted throughout the debate except when it is a candidate’s turn to speak, according to CNN.
The candidates will be provided with a pen, pad of paper and a water bottle, but are prohibited from bringing props or prewritten notes.
Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide
CNN wrote in its release that the moderators will be allowed to “use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.”
Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. join Trump and Biden at the debate?
It is not likely independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will join the upcoming debate.
To qualify for the CNN debate, a candidate must “appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote thresholds to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four qualifying national polls prior to the eligibility deadline, according to a news release.
CNN wrote in its press release that Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls and is on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 electoral college votes.
However, his campaign previously told USA TODAY they are moving to expand his ballot access in other states.
Read Nore:CNN announces rules for June 27 Biden-Trump debate