Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to face off again on stage in Atlanta this Thursday, their first face-to-face meeting in four years. The agreement between the two campaigns to bypass the Commission on Presidential Debates and go directly to television networks breaks with the decades-old tradition of three fall debates.
Dubbed the “CNN Presidential Debate,” and hosted by hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the Atlanta-based network is implementing a set of new rules to shape the flow of the 90-minute event and prevent a repeat of chaotic moments from past debates.
One of the most significant changes to this debate is the use of muted microphones, which will allow each candidate to speak uninterrupted for the allotted time, eliminating a frustrating issue of frequent interruptions in past debates. Additionally, there will be no live studio audience, which will eliminate the immediate reactions to what the candidates say — an environment that some believe has favored Trump's high-energy style in the past.
Both candidates are sticking to a simple setup, with only pen, paper and water allowed on stage, and crucially, no pre-writing or seating allowed, which encourages spontaneity and focuses the discussion on genuine responses rather than scripted remarks.
There will also be commercial breaks and no opportunity for campaign consultations — a departure from the traditional debate format overseen by a debate commission.
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The decision to turn off candidates' microphones when it's their opponents' turn to speak and the absence of partisan audiences are efforts to promote a more substantive, civil exchange about policy rather than personal attacks that have characterized previous showdowns. But the shift away from debate commission oversight and the introduction of commercial breaks have drawn criticism from some.
Critics may argue that commercializing debates could lead to shorter, less substantive answers aimed at creating conflict and short, pithy statements rather than providing meaningful information to voters.
Despite these controversies, expectations remain high for potentially dramatic moments between the two candidates, given their history of spirited exchanges. The debate between the two former presidents is expected to garner significant attention as the 2024 election cycle gathers momentum.
“CNN Presidential Debate” will air on CNN on Thursday, June 27 at 9pm ET/PT and will be simulcast on USA TODAY.
Jeremy Yurow is a Hawaii-based political reporter for the USA Today Network. He can be reached at JYurow@gannett.com or X (formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow).
