Categories: Politics

CNN finalizes rules for first Biden vs Trump debate, RFK Jr. could still qualify

CNN has finalized the rules for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, which is less than two weeks.

The campaigns of President Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to the rules, CNN said on Saturday, noting that it is not “impossible” for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to join the pair on stage.

To qualify for the CNN showdown, a candidate must have received 15% support in four separate national polls, and be on the ballot in enough states to reach 270 electoral college votes. Currently, Kennedy is on the ballot in six states, totaling 89 potential electoral college votes.

The 90-minute debate, scheduled to take place on June 27 in Atlanta, will be hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. It will be the first in-person face off between Biden and Trump since they stood alongside one another on debate stages during the 2020 cycle.

Former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden. (Getty Images)

Both candidates accepted the network’s invitation to debate last month, agreeing to certain rules and formats that were outlined in CNN letters to their respective campaigns.

CNN said there will be two commercial breaks during the debate, and candidates are not allowed to consult with other members of their campaign during that time.

The network also noted that candidates’ podiums and positions will be determined by a coin flip, their mics will be muted outside of speaking time, and that candidates will be provided only with a pen and a pad of paper.

Candidates will not be allowed to bring props or prepared notes. 

Share

Recent Posts

Black Hawk pilot failed to heed flight instructor in moments before plane collision over DC: report

close Video Famed stunt pilot was talking to air traffic controllers prior to fatal crash…

29 minutes ago

Defunding DEI: Here’s how the Trump administration has undone Biden’s very prized programs

President Donald Trump shut down all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices across the federal…

39 minutes ago

UN cash app for Gazans exploited by Hamas as terror group steals aid money meant for civilians

close Video Protesters in Gaza target Hamas For the first time since Hamas seized power…

2 hours ago

Trump’s First 100 Days: Gitmo took early role in deportations prior to El Salvador prison deal

America’s most notorious federal prison, a terrorist detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, took center…

3 hours ago

SCOOP: Republicans roll out $69B funding plan for new CBP agents, building border wall in Trump budget bill

FIRST ON FOX: House Republicans are carving out $68.8 billion for President Donald Trump’s border…

5 hours ago

Taiwan on edge after Pope Francis’s death, closely watching Vatican-China relations

close Video Mourners pay respects to Pope Francis ahead of funeral Mourners from around the…

7 hours ago