KUALA LUMPUR – The first US presidential debate between incumbent Democrat Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on June 27 will include two commercial breaks, no props, and muted microphones except when recognised to speak, CNN announced yesterday.
According to Reuters, the candidates agreed to face off in two debates: the first in June – moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta – and another on September 10, hosted by US television channel ABC.
CNN said that both candidates will appear at uniform podiums during the 90-minute debate. Podium positions will be determined by a coin flip. Candidates will be provided with a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water, but they are not allowed to use props.
“Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak,” CNN said.
The news network said moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilised discussion.”
During the two commercial breaks, campaign staff may not interact with their candidate, and there will be no studio audience.
Candidates eligible to participate must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls.
CNN said it is “not impossible” that Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is running as an independent, could qualify, saying he has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls to date and has qualified for the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 electoral college votes.
Debates, which will draw a US live television audience in the tens of millions, are fraught with risks for both candidates, who face a close race.
Biden has three preferred debate topics, according to a campaign memo viewed by Reuters: abortion rights, the state of democracy, and the economy.
Trump refused to debate his rivals during the Republican nomination race. His team has pointed to immigration, public safety, and inflation as key issues ahead of the debate. – June 16, 2024