CNN rules for first US presidential debate: no props, muted microphones By Reuters

By David Shepardson and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The primary U.S. presidential debate between incumbent Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on June 27 will embrace two business breaks, no props and muted microphones besides when acknowledged to talk, CNN mentioned Saturday.

In Might, the candidates agreed to face off in two debates together with one this month that will likely be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta, whereas the opposite on Sept. 10 will likely be hosted by ABC.

CNN mentioned Saturday each candidates will seem at a uniform podium throughout the 90-minute debate, podium positions will likely be decided by a coin flip and candidates will likely be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water however can’t use props.

“Microphones will likely be muted all through the controversy aside from the candidate whose flip it’s to talk,” CNN mentioned.

CNN, a division of Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:), mentioned the moderators “will use all instruments at their disposal to implement timing and guarantee a civilized dialogue.”

In the course of the two business breaks, marketing campaign employees could not work together with their candidate, and there will likely be no studio viewers.

CNN mentioned candidates eligible to take part should seem on a ample variety of state ballots to achieve the 270 electoral vote threshold wanted to win and obtain at the very least 15% in 4 separate nationwide polls.

CNN mentioned it’s “not not possible” Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s working as an impartial, may qualify, saying he has obtained at the very least 15% in three qualifying polls thus far and has certified for the poll in six states, making him eligible for 89 electoral school votes.

Debates, which is able to draw a U.S. stay tv viewers within the tens of tens of millions, are fraught with dangers for each candidates, who face a detailed race.

Biden has three most well-liked debate matters, in accordance with a marketing campaign memo considered by Reuters: abortion rights, the state of democracy and the financial system.

Trump refused to debate his rivals throughout the Republican nominating race. His group has pointed to immigration, public security and inflation as key points forward of the controversy.