CNN has set the rules for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, scheduled for less than two weeks away. President Biden and former President Donald Trump have both agreed to these rules, according to CNN.
The network mentioned on Saturday that it is still possible for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to join them on stage. To qualify, a candidate needs 15% support in four different national polls and must be on the ballot in enough states to secure 270 electoral college votes. Currently, Kennedy is on the ballot in six states, amounting to 89 potential electoral votes.
The 90-minute debate is planned for June 27 in Atlanta, with CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash as hosts. This will be the first in-person debate between Biden and Trump since the 2020 election cycle.
Last month, both candidates accepted CNN’s invitation and agreed to the rules and formats outlined in letters from the network to their campaigns.
CNN stated that there will be two commercial breaks, and candidates cannot consult with their campaign teams during these breaks.
Podium placement and speaking order will be decided by a coin toss. Microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, and candidates will only be provided with a pen and paper. Props and prepared notes are not permitted.
