RFK Jr. wants to join in.
CNN has finalized the guidelines for the upcoming first presidential debate of the 2024 election, scheduled less than two weeks away.
According to CNN’s announcement on Saturday, both President Biden’s and former President Donald Trump’s campaigns have agreed to the established rules. CNN noted that there remains a possibility for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to join them on stage.
To qualify for the CNN debate, candidates must achieve at least 15% support in four separate national polls and be on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 electoral college votes. Currently, Kennedy meets the ballot requirement in six states, representing a potential of 89 electoral college votes.
The 90-minute debate is set for June 27 in Atlanta and will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. It marks the first in-person debate between Biden and Trump since their appearances together during the 2020 cycle.
In preparation for the event, both candidates accepted CNN’s invitation last month and agreed to specific rules and formats outlined in letters from CNN to their respective campaigns.
During the debate, there will be two commercial breaks, and candidates are prohibited from consulting with their campaign members during these intervals. Podium positions will be determined by a coin flip, microphones will be muted outside of designated speaking times, and candidates will only have access to a pen, notepad, and water bottle.
Candidates are strictly barred from bringing props or prepared notes, and unlike previous debates, there will be no studio audience present. CNN moderators have committed to enforcing timing and fostering a civil discussion using all available tools.
Furthermore, all candidates participating in the debate meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 to serve as president. They have also filed a formal statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, fulfilling another prerequisite for debate inclusion.
