Muted Mics and ‘Civilized Discussion’: Biden and Trump Campaigns Finally Agree To CNN Debate Rules

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have reached an agreement regarding the rules for the first presidential debate for the November race on CNN.

The debate will be hosted by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in to Atlanta on June 27. The campaigns for both candidates have accepted the network’s rules and format for the 90-minute debate, which will include two commercial breaks.

The candidates will appear at the their respective podiums, which will be determine via a coin flip. Campaign staff will not be allowed to interact with the candidates especially during the commercial breaks.

Moreover, both candidates have agreed to microphones being muted throughout the debate except when it is the candidate’s turn to speak. The rule in question was initially a point of concern for the Trump campaign.

Trump and Biden will not be permitted to have pre-written notes or props but a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water will be given to both of them while on stage.

The network released a statement noting that the moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.” The debate will also not allow a live-studio audience.

Per CNN:

In order to meet CNN’s qualifications for the debate, candidates must satisfy the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president. Both Biden and Trump meet those requirements, as do Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West and Jill Stein, who are running on non-major-party tickets.

Participants must also file a formal statement of candidacy to the Federal Election Commission. All five have done so.

All participating debaters must 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. Polls that meet those standards are those sponsored by CNN, ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, Marquette University Law School, Monmouth University, NBC News, The New York Times/Siena College, NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist College, Quinnipiac University, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

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