President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are preparing to square off in the first presidential debate set for June 27 at 9 p.m. EST. However, this debate departs from the usual tradition in several ways.
CNN will be hosting and broadcasting the debate from their Atlanta studios. This process had previously been a long-standing practice organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates. CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the 90-minute event, which will include two commercial breaks – another deviation from past practices. The debate will also occur without a live audience, a decision made to maximize the candidates’ speaking time.
The presidential debate will also be carried out under new rules. To reduce interruptions that plagued previous debates, both candidates have agreed to microphone muting when it’s not their turn to speak. The new format will eschew opening statements, instead allowing candidates two minutes to respond to questions, followed by one-minute rebuttals and responses. Viewers can tune in to CNN or stream the debate on Max to witness this historic event unfold.
Interestingly, this debate is taking place before either candidate has officially accepted their party’s nomination. The Republican and Democratic conventions will be held in July and August, respectively.
A second debate is already scheduled for September 10, to be hosted by ABC News. While presidential debates are not mandated by law, they have become a crucial part of the election process.
