Presidential debate countdown: the rules Biden and Trump have agreed to

The countdown is on. In just under two weeks, the stage will be set for the first monumental face-off of the 2024 presidential race. This historic event, the first presidential debate, is scheduled to take place on June 27 in Atlanta.

In an exclusive report by CNN, which will be hosting the event, the network has unveiled the rules and format of the event, a testament to the gravity of this political showdown, which both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to.

The first official debate between President Biden and former President Trump will be hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The debate will last 90 minutes. Campaign staff is forbidden from interacting with their candidate for the duration of the event. Unlike previous events, there will be no studio audience.

According to CNN, both Biden and Trump have agreed to adhere to a set of stringent rules. Their podium position will be determined by the flip of a coin, and their microphones will be muted unless it is their turn to speak.

The candidates will not be allowed to use props or consult any notes they may have made ahead of time, underlining the seriousness and fairness of this debate. However, both Biden and Trump will be provided with a pen and paper to take notes during the debate if they need to.

CNN has stipulated that during the debate, both Biden and Trump "must satisfy the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution to serve as president," a condition that the network highlights both candidates meet as do Jill Stein, Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., all of whom are running in non-major parties.

However, the rules also require participants to file a formal candidacy statement with the Federal Election Commission, which all five candidates have done.

To participate, they must also reach the 270 electoral vote threshold by appearing on enough state ballots and receiving "at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting."

CNN reports that Kennedy could meet these requirements as he has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls to date and is on the ballot in six states, but it is unlikely in the cases of Cornel West and Jill Stein.

As the debate unfolds, it's highly likely that the spotlight will be on Biden and Trump, and things will undoubtedly get heated. The anticipation and excitement are palpable.

However, CNN assures that its moderator "will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion," a challenging task that adds to the drama and intrigue of this high-stakes event.

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