CNN announces rules for June 27 Biden-Trump debate

WASHINGTON — CNN announced additional details about the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for what is expected to be a tumultuous showdown between the two frontrunners ahead of the general election.

The 90-minute debate, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Both campaigns have already accepted the debate invitation and agreed to the rules laid out during the debate, according to CNN.

There will be two commercial breaks, but campaign staff will not be able to interact with candidates during this time. The debate will not feature a live studio audience – as has been the case for other general election debates in the past – and the candidates’ podium positions will be determined by a drawing of lots, according to a statement CNN press release.

And above all, the microphones will be cut throughout the debate except when it is a candidate’s turn to speak, according to CNN.

Applicants will be provided with a pen, pad of paper and bottle of water, but will not be allowed to bring any props or pre-written notes.

Preparing the surveys: Find out who’s running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter’s Guide.

CNN wrote in its statement that moderators will be allowed to “use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion.”

Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. join Trump and Biden at the debate?

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is unlikely to join the upcoming debate.

To qualify for the CNN debate, a candidate must “appear on enough national ballots to reach the threshold of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four national qualifying polls before the eligibility deadline, according to a press release.