Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election season is right around the corner, and CNN has just dropped some bombshell details on the rules. One of the most notable regulations seems to target none other than Donald Trump.
Remember those chaotic debates back in 2020? Trump and Biden went head-to-head, and it often turned into a shouting match, with Trump frequently interrupting Biden. To avoid a repeat of that mess, CNN has decided that microphones will be muted except when it’s a candidate’s turn to speak. That’s right, no more talking over each other!
The debate, set to take place in Atlanta on June 27, promises to be a more controlled environment. Both candidates have agreed to stand at uniform podiums, with their positions determined by a coin flip. No props or pre-written notes are allowed on stage, but each candidate will have a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
This debate in the battleground state is the first of two before the November election. It will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks, during which Biden and Trump won’t be able to interact with their staff. CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the event, and they certainly have their work cut out for them.
Tapper and Bash are expected to use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion. However, how effective these measures will be remains to be seen.
The political climate has been heated, with Trump and Biden launching fierce attacks at each other since the campaign season began. Trump has mocked Biden at rallies, even demanding drug tests before the debate. On the other hand, Biden has criticized Trump over his criminal charges and the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Interestingly, it appears that third-party candidates won’t qualify for the debate stage. According to CNN’s rules, candidates must be on enough state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls. This likely excludes Independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., who hasn’t met these requirements yet.
Both Biden and Trump have been gearing up for this much-anticipated event. Biden’s team is ready to tackle issues like abortion rights and highlight Trump’s agenda. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has been downplaying debate prep, pointing to his extensive rally speeches as sufficient preparation.
Trump has also raised questions about the fairness of the debate, a tactic that could help him dispute the outcome before it even happens. Some of his GOP supporters worry that Trump’s relentless attacks on Biden’s performance might set the bar too low for the president.
Both campaigns agreed to the CNN debate last month, with ABC News hosting the second debate in September. This showdown in Atlanta is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election season. Stay tuned, folks!