In breaking news, Former President Donald Trump will be given the final word in a debate against President Joe Biden on CNN next week. This decision came after a coin flip to determine podium placement and the order of closing statements.
The coin landed on the Biden campaign’s pick – tails – giving them the choice of selecting the president’s podium position or the order of closing statements. Biden’s campaign chose to select the right podium position, positioning the Democratic president on the right side of television viewers’ screens and his Republican rival on the left.
Trump’s campaign then chose for the former president to deliver the last closing statement, meaning Biden will speak first at the conclusion of the debate. This historic event is set to take place on June 27, marking the first presidential debate between an incumbent and a former president.
CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will host the 90-minute showdown in Atlanta, with both candidates agreeing to the rules and format outlined by the network in May. This debate will be a notable difference for Trump, who had voiced frustration during his recent trial where prosecutors delivered the final remarks.
The debate will include two commercial breaks, with campaign staff prohibited from interacting with their candidate during that time. Microphones will be muted except for the candidate speaking, and no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage. Candidates will be provided with a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water for the debate.
