David Shepardson and Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The first U.S. presidential debate between incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on June 27 will feature two commercial breaks, no props and muted microphones except when speaking is allowed, CNN reported on Saturday.
In May, the candidates agreed to face off in two debates, including one this month moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta and another on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC.
CNN reported Saturday that both candidates will share a podium during the 90-minute debate, podium seats will be determined by a coin toss, and candidates will be provided with a pen, pad and bottle of water, but will not be able to use props.
“Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak,” CNN reported.
CNN, a unit of Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:), said moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to ensure deadlines are met and the discussion is civil.”
During the two commercial breaks, campaign staffers may not interact with their candidate and there will be no studio audience.
CNN said eligible candidates must appear on enough state ballots to reach the threshold of 270 electoral votes needed to win and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls.
CNN said it was “not impossible” that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, could qualify for the election, saying he has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls to date and is eligible to run. vote in six states, making him entitled to 89 Electoral College votes.
The debate, which will attract tens of millions of viewers live on US television, is fraught with risks for both candidates, who face a close race.
Biden has three preferred debate topics: abortion rights, the state of democracy and the economy, according to a campaign memo seen by Reuters.
Trump has refused to discuss his rivals during the Republican presidential race. His team cited immigration, public safety and inflation as key issues heading into the debate.