The campaigns of former President Donald Trump and President Biden have both agreed to abide by new rules as the first presidential debate approaches.
The debate’s host network, CNN, announced the rule changes and confirmed other debate parameters with less than two weeks to the event.
It will take place on June 27th in Atlanta and be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
The network said the debate will last 90 minutes and include just two commercial breaks. Campaign staff will not be allowed to speak to or otherwise interact with the candidates during breaks.
Candidates will also not be allowed to bring pre-written notes or other props on stage. They will be given a pen, blank pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
In a departure from previous debates, there will not be a studio audience in attendance.
Microphones will be muted except when a candidate is speaking in turn. Moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion”, which may include muting candidates speaking beyond their time.
Three’s a Crowd?
Trump and Biden are expected to take the stage by themselves, however, there is a chance Robert F. Kennedy could qualify.
He will need to appear on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency and poll at least 15% support in four separate national polls.
Currently, he has reached the 15% mark in three qualifying polls and he will appear on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.
His campaign claims they’ve collected enough signatures for ballot access to reach the vote threshold, but they still need to be verified in some states. He may focus his efforts on qualifying for the second debate, which is currently scheduled for September 10th on ABC.
I swear…Republicans are unbelievable! Where to start? Who agreed to two rabid Leftist moderators? Broadcast by the Commie News Network? Could we possibly give the Left any further advantage? Maybe Trump should keep his mouth full of marbles, or keep his eyes closed!
We are compromising with Evil! Evil always wins when we do.
CNN you robbed the American people a chance to see the real cognitive ability of their president ..rules said no pads of paper, no notes..yet it was obvious watching that you allowed Biden notes, a pen and reading and writing..which leaves one to believe you fed him the questions..shame on you