As the 2024 presidential election approaches, CNN has finalized the rules for the highly anticipated first debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Scheduled for June 27 in Atlanta, the 90-minute debate will be hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. This event marks the first in-person confrontation between Biden and Trump since their 2020 election face-offs.
The debate comes at a critical juncture, with both campaigns agreeing to a set of rules designed to ensure a structured and orderly discussion. Among the key stipulations, candidates will be positioned at uniform podiums, determined by a coin flip, and their microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak. Additionally, candidates will only have access to a pen, a notepad, and a bottle of water during the debate, with props and prepared notes strictly prohibited.
The absence of a studio audience marks a departure from previous debates, allowing the focus to remain solely on the candidates' exchanges. "The moderators will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion," CNN noted.
To qualify for the debate, candidates must meet specific criteria, including receiving at least 15% support in four separate national polls and appearing on enough state ballots to potentially secure 270 electoral votes. While Biden and Trump meet these requirements, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains on the cusp, having achieved the 15% threshold in three qualifying polls and currently eligible for 89 electoral votes across six states.
CNN's standards for qualifying polls include those sponsored by prominent organizations such as ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, Marquette University Law School, Monmouth University, NBC News, The New York Times/Siena College, NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist College, Quinnipiac University, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.
The debate will feature two commercial breaks, during which candidates will not be allowed to consult with their campaign teams. This rule aims to maintain the integrity and spontaneity of the candidates' responses.
The structure and rules set by CNN reflect an effort to provide a fair and balanced platform for the candidates. The network emphasized that the debate will be a critical moment in the election cycle, offering voters a direct comparison of the two leading contenders.
The inclusion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though still uncertain, adds an element of unpredictability to the debate. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of both major parties and has garnered significant attention for his unconventional views. His potential presence on the debate stage could introduce new dynamics and topics into the discussion.
The debate rules also ensure compliance with Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for presidential candidates. Both Biden and Trump, along with other candidates like Kennedy, Cornel West, and Jill Stein, meet these constitutional requirements and have filed formal statements of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
As the debate date approaches, both campaigns are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle. The candidates' performances could significantly influence public perception and voter sentiment in the months leading up to the election.
