WWhen President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump meet on the debate stage on June 27, they will do so under a new set of rules designed to avoid the chaotic scenes and frequent interruptions that marked their debates during the last elections.
The new rules, introduced by CNN ahead of this year’s first presidential debate, include measures such as muted microphones to ensure uninterrupted speaking time for each candidate and the absence of a live audience to minimize outside disruptions, a departure from the traditional framework governed by the bipartisan party. Commission on Presidential Debates.
The rule changes were proposed as a way to avoid a repeat of the first debate of the 2020 presidential cycle, during which candidates regularly attacked each other’s character. Trump repeatedly interrupted and heckled Biden, eliciting Biden’s memorable retort: “Will you shut up, man?” The moderator often failed to get the discussion back on track.
Both Biden and Trump endorsed the new rules and committed to participating in the television debate. Here are the biggest changes.
Commercial breaks
For the first time in recent history, the debate will feature two commercial breaks during the 90-minute broadcast, unlike previous events organized by the commission that did not include corporate advertisements. (This year’s debates are not being overseen by the commission.) However, campaign staff will be prohibited from interacting with their respective candidates during these breaks, denying them the opportunity for strategic consultations or to touch up the candidates’ appearance.
No opening statements
Unlike previous debates, there will be no opening statements. Instead, each candidate will make a two-minute closing statement at the end of the debate. The debate will begin with a question, with each candidate having two minutes to respond. This will be followed by one-minute rebuttals and responses to rebuttals, along with additional time at the discretion of the moderators. Visual cues, such as flashing red lights, will alert candidates to remaining speaking time.
Microphones muted, no notes
Both Biden and Trump will stand in identical lecterns, with their positions on stage determined by a coin toss administered by CNN. Microphones will be muted throughout the process, except when it is the candidate’s turn to speak, a measure aimed at reducing interruptions that have marred previous debates. CNN said moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash “will use every tool at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civil discussion.”
Each candidate will receive a pen, a notepad and a bottle of water on stage; however, no props or written notes will be permitted.
No live audience
Departing from tradition, there will be no studio audience in an attempt to minimize interruptions during the debate. Typically, audience members are instructed to remain silent while candidates speak, but this rule was not always followed.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
