In less than two weeks, the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle is set to take place, with CNN releasing new details on the agreements reached by the Trump and Biden campaigns.
The debate, scheduled to be hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta on June 27, will be the first face-to-face showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the 2024 campaign. Both candidates have accepted CNN’s invitation and agreed to abide by the rules and format of the debate as outlined in letters sent by the network in May.
The 90-minute debate will feature two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff are not allowed to interact with their candidate. Both candidates have agreed to appear at a uniform podium, with their positions to be determined by a coin flip.
Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate speaking, and no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage. However, candidates will be provided with a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
Some aspects of the debate, such as the absence of a studio audience, will be different from previous debates. Moderators will use all available tools to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion, according to CNN.
Candidates must meet the qualifications outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to participate in the debate. Biden and Trump, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein, who are running on non-major-party tickets, meet these requirements and have filed a formal statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
All participating debaters must be on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win the presidency and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN’s reporting standards.
Kennedy has met the 15% threshold in three qualifying polls and is currently on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 Electoral College votes. While it is possible for Kennedy to meet the requirements, it is less likely for other candidates besides Biden and Trump to do so.
