Biden, Trump 2024 Presidential Debate: CNN to mute interruptions
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on Wednesday agreed to hold two campaign debates. The first on June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC thus setting the stage for their first presidential face-off to play out in just over a month.
This quick agreement on the timetable followed the Democrat’s announcement that he would not participate in fall presidential debates sponsored by the nonpartisan commission that has organized them for more than three decades. Biden’s campaign instead proposed that media outlets directly organize the debates between the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees.
Hours later, Biden said he had accepted an invitation from CNN, adding, “Over to you, Donald.” Trump, who had insisted he would debate Biden anytime and anyplace, said on Truth Social he’d be there, too, adding, “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!” Soon after that, they agreed to the second debate on ABC.
“Trump says he’ll arrange his own transportation,” Biden wrote on X, working in a jab about the perks of incumbency. “I’ll bring my plane, too. I plan on keeping it for another four years.”
CNN on Saturday unveiled some details of the June 27 contest to be broadcast live from Atlanta in the southern state of Georgia. The network is promoting the encounter as “the first in-person showdown of the 2024 campaign” between the two candidates.
CNN said microphones will be turned to mute during opponents’ remarks in the debate this month between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The broadcaster said the 90-minute debate will have no studio audience. Only moderators and the candidates will be present.
Recall their first televised debate in the 2020 presidential race was dominated by interruptions with Biden and Trump speaking over each other.
CNN said the candidates are not allowed to bring props or pre-written notes onto the stage. The debate will include two commercial breaks, and campaign staff may not interact with their candidate during that time.
The network said the moderators will use all tools at their disposal to ensure a civilized discussion in this unusually early debate.
