CNN has finalized rules for the first 2024 presidential debate, with safeguards in place to protect Joe Biden.
The details: Both the Trump and Biden campaigns agreed to the following rules for their first debate on June 27 in Atlanta, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash:
- No studio audience;
- Microphones muted outside speaking time;
- Candidates stand at two uniform podiums;
- Position on stage determined by coin-flip;
- No props or prepared notes;
- Each is provided paper, pen, and water;
- During two commercial breaks, candidates can’t interact with campaign staff.
Safeguards for Biden: Muting microphones and removing the audience appear to be moves to help Joe Biden. In both 2016 and 2020, Trump routinely jabbed his opponents and debate moderators, often eliciting laughter and cheers from the audience.
- However, I am pleased that both candidates must stand the entire time. And I look forward to Biden having to speak without prepared notes.
Third party? CNN noted it is not “impossible” for Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be featured on the debate stage. He would need to be on the ballot in enough states to reach 270 electoral college votes. He’s currently in six states, totaling 89 potential electoral votes.
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