With less than two weeks until the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, additional details have been released regarding the parameters agreed upon by the Trump and Biden campaigns. The debate is scheduled to take place on June 27 and will mark the first in-person showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Both candidates have accepted the network's invitation and have agreed to abide by the rules and format of the debate as outlined in letters sent to the campaigns in May. The 90-minute debate will feature two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff are prohibited from interacting with their respective candidates.
According to the network, both candidates will appear at a uniform podium, with their positions determined by a coin flip. Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate who has the floor. While no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage, candidates will be provided with a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
One notable change from previous debates is the absence of a studio audience. However, moderators will utilize all available tools to enforce timing and ensure a civil discussion.
In order to qualify for the debate, candidates must meet the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president. Both Biden and Trump, as well as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein, who are running on non-major-party tickets, meet these requirements. All participants have filed a formal statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
Additionally, debaters must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters. While Kennedy has met the polling threshold and is currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes, it is less likely that candidates other than Biden and Trump will meet these requirements.
As the anticipation builds for this highly anticipated debate, the American public eagerly awaits the opportunity to hear from the candidates on the pressing issues facing the nation.
