CNN has set the rules for the upcoming presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump. The event is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks, and both candidates have agreed to the terms outlined by CNN. It has been mentioned that there is a possibility for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to join the debate if certain conditions are met.
To qualify for the debate, a candidate must have at least 15% support in four national polls and be on the ballot in enough states to reach 270 electoral college votes. Currently, Kennedy is on the ballot in six states, totaling 89 potential Electoral College votes.
The 90-minute debate will be held in Atlanta on June 27 and will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. This will be the first in-person debate between Biden and Trump since the 2020 election cycle.
Both candidates have accepted CNN’s invitation to debate and have agreed to the rules and format outlined by the network. The debate will have two commercial breaks, and candidates will not be allowed to consult with their campaign members during that time. Podiums and positions will be determined by a coin flip, and candidates’ microphones will be muted outside of their speaking time. They will only be provided with a pen, notepad, and a bottle of water, and will not be allowed to bring props or prepared notes.
Unlike previous debates, there will be no studio audience present. The moderators will ensure that the debate remains civil and on time, using all tools at their disposal to enforce the rules.
In order to participate in the debate, candidates must meet the requirements outlined in the US Constitution to serve as president. Biden, Trump, and other candidates on non-major-party tickets have met these requirements and have filed a formal statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
To qualify for the debate, national polls conducted by various reputable organizations will be taken into account. These polls include those sponsored by CNN, ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, and others.
The stage is set for an intense and important debate between the presidential contenders, and the American people will be watching closely as they make their decision for the upcoming election.