President Joe Biden and Donald Trump are gearing up for their first in-person debate leading up to November’s election, set to take place on June 27. The rules for this highly anticipated event have been agreed upon by both campaigns to ensure a structured and orderly discussion:
1. Uniform Podium and Positions: Both candidates will appear at a uniform podium, with their positions determined by a coin flip.
2. Controlled Microphones: Microphones will be muted throughout the debate, except when it is the designated candidate’s turn to speak. This measure aims to prevent interruptions and ensure each candidate has uninterrupted time to address the audience.
3. No Props or Notes: Candidates are not allowed to bring any props or notes onto the stage. They will only have access to a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
4. Location and Duration: The debate will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, and will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. During these breaks, campaign staff cannot interact with their respective candidates.
5. Moderators: The debate will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, prominent news anchors from CNN. They have committed to using all available tools to enforce timing and ensure a civilized and substantive discussion.
The upcoming debate marks a pivotal moment in the election cycle, following the notably tense debates between Biden and Trump in 2020. Those debates were characterized by heated exchanges and interruptions, including memorable moments like Biden’s exasperated “Will you shut up, man?” directed at Trump.
Both candidates have also agreed to a second televised debate scheduled to be hosted by ABC on September 10, further underscoring the importance of these face-to-face encounters in shaping public opinion and influencing voter decisions.