The first of at least two presidential debates is happening this week. Here’s what you need to know and how to tune in:
When is the debate?
The debate will start on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET and is expected to run for 90 minutes.
How can I watch the debate?
Scripps News will broadcast CNN’s simulcast of the debate live on-air and online. To watch Scripps News on air, click here. You can also watch it on Scripps News’ website.
Who will participate?
Presumptive Democratic nominee President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee former President Donald Trump will be participating. Independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Jill Stein did not meet the invitation criteria. Some independent candidates have threatened legal action for not being included.
Who will moderate?
CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will be the moderators. Tapper has been with CNN since 2012, while Bash has been with the network for over two decades.
Debate rules
According to CNN, moderators can mute the candidates’ microphones when it’s not their turn to speak. There will be two commercial breaks during the 90-minute debate, and campaign staff cannot interact with candidates during these breaks.
Candidates will have a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water, but they can’t bring any prewritten notes or props on stage, organizers stated.
What’s different about this debate?
For the first time since 1984, leading presidential candidates will debate outside the auspices of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns criticized the debate-organizing nonprofit for its format.
Instead, President Biden and Trump have agreements with CNN and ABC News to organize and simulcast two presidential debates. CBS News will organize a vice presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump’s running mate.
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