Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKIJIM WATSON / AFP / Getty Images
CNN has finalized the rules for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, scheduled for June 27 in Atlanta. The debate, hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks. Both candidates have agreed to the rules and format, which include muted microphones except when it's a candidate's turn to speak.
The candidates will stand at uniform podiums, with positions determined by a coin flip. No props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage, but candidates will be provided with a pen, paper, and a bottle of water.
The debate will not have a studio audience, a departure from previous debates. Moderators will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.
To qualify for the debate, candidates must meet the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president, file a formal statement of candidacy to the Federal Election Commission, appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency, and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN’s standards for reporting.
While other candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein, are likely to meet most of the requirements, it is less likely that they will meet the polling requirement.