Atlanta, Georgia – With less than two weeks remaining until the inaugural presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, new details have emerged regarding the parameters agreed upon by the campaigns of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. The debate, set to be hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash on June 27 in Atlanta, marks the first in-person showdown between the two candidates in the 2024 campaign.
Both Trump and Biden have accepted CNN’s invitation and have committed to abide by the rules and format of the debate, as outlined in letters sent to their campaigns by the network in May. The 90-minute event will feature two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff are prohibited from interacting with their respective candidates.
A coin flip will determine the podium positions of both candidates, who will be required to stand at uniform podiums throughout the debate. Microphones will be muted for the candidate not speaking, and no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage, although candidates will have access to a pen, pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
Some elements of the upcoming debate differ from past debates, such as the absence of a studio audience. However, moderators are prepared to use various tools to enforce timing and ensure a civil discussion, according to CNN. In order to participate in the debate, candidates must meet the qualifications outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president.
Beyond Trump and Biden, other candidates must also file a formal statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission to qualify. Additionally, all participants must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold for presidency and achieve at least 15% in four recognized national polls. While meeting these criteria may be more challenging for non-major-party candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein, it is not an impossible feat.