Next week on Thursday, June 27, Biden and Trump are set to face off in a historic showdown, marking the first debate between the incumbent and former president in the 2024 U.S. election year.
The organizers of the presidential debate, CNN, announced on Thursday, June 20, that both Biden and Trump have officially qualified to participate in the first presidential debate and are the only candidates from their respective parties eligible for the debate.
Both candidates had previously accepted CNN’s invitation and agreed to abide by the debate rules and format outlined in a letter sent by CNN to both campaign teams back in May.
CNN stipulated that candidates must garner at least 15% or more support in at least four national polls that meet CNN’s reporting standards. Additionally, candidates must appear on enough state ballots to reach the threshold of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidential election to qualify for the debate.
These qualifying polls include 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.
Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr did not meet the requirements in national polls and state ballots, thus failing to qualify for participation in this first presidential debate.
Kennedy’s absence from the debate next week will pose a setback to his campaign, as his goal was to secure a position among the major party candidates.
However, Kennedy still has the opportunity to participate in a debate hosted by ABC News on September 10.
Compared to the two debates between Biden and Trump in 2020, which were held at universities, the upcoming debate on June 27 will not have a live audience. This decision was requested by Biden’s campaign team. Additionally, aside from when the candidates are speaking, their microphones will be muted throughout the debate.
The 90-minute first debate, held in Atlanta, will be moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
According to the rules, the moderators can “use all available tools to control time, ensuring a civilized and orderly discussion.”
CNN’s report states that the first debate will include two commercial breaks, during which campaign team members are not allowed to interact with the candidates. Both candidates have agreed to stand on identical podiums, with their positions determined by a coin toss. While props or pre-written speeches are not allowed on stage, candidates will be provided with a pen, a piece of paper, and a water bottle.
U.S. presidential debates often attract tens of millions of viewers and have historically influenced the course of campaigns. This election cycle began earlier than usual, with both candidates being well-known public figures.
According to reports from The Hill, Biden and Trump agreed last month to participate in two debates hosted by CNN and ABC News. A survey conducted subsequently showed that 72% of Americans indicated they might watch the debates. However, a Quinnipiac University poll revealed that about 27% of people said they would not tune in.