CNN released additional details about the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on June 27th held in Atlanta, Georgia.

The debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will be 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks.

Campaign staff may not interact with the candidates during the commercial breaks.

“Both candidates agreed to appear at a uniform podium, and their podium positions will be determined by a coin flip,” CNN wrote.

“Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. While no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on the stage, candidates will be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water,” the outlet added.

“No pre-written notes or props will be allowed, but the candidates will have a pen and paper so they can take notes during the debate. There will be no studio audience for the debate, which will be held in Atlanta on June 27. The debate will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash,” Chief Nerd wrote, citing The Epoch Times.

“The network said it’s ‘not impossible’ for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to meet these conditions, given that he has met the 15 percent threshold in three qualifying polls and, per CNN, is on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 electoral votes,” he added.

Per CNN:

Some aspects of the debate – including the absence of a studio audience – will be a departure from previous debates. But, as in the past, the moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion,” according to the network.

In order to meet CNN’s qualifications for the debate, candidates must satisfy the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president. Both Biden and Trump meet those requirements, as do Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West and Jill Stein, who are running on non-major-party tickets.

Participants must also file a formal statement of candidacy to the Federal Election Commission. All five have done so.

All participating debaters must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN’s standards for reporting. Polls that meet those standards are 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.

USA Today reports:

It is not likely independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will join the upcoming debate.

To qualify for the CNN debate, a candidate must “appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote thresholds to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four qualifying national polls prior to the eligibility deadline, according to a news release.

CNN wrote in its press release that Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls and is on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for 89 electoral college votes.

However, his campaign previously told USA TODAY they are moving to expand his ballot access in other states.

 

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