Good evening, and welcome to NPI’s live coverage of the first presidential debate of 2024. NPI staff will be watching and sharing impressions of the debate between presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump as it progresses. The debate, hosted by CNN, is being broadcast on a number of additional channels and networks, including MSNBC and FNC.
The debate format and rules are as follows:
The debate, which will be hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta on June 27, will mark the first in-person showdown of the 2024 campaign between President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. Both candidates have accepted the network’s invitation and agreed to accept the rules and format of the debate, as outlined in letters sent to the campaigns by the network in May.
The 90-minute debate will include two commercial breaks, according to the network, and campaign staff may not interact with their candidate during that time.
Both candidates agreed to appear at a uniform podium, and their podium positions will be determined by a coin flip.
Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. While no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on the stage, candidates will be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.
Some aspects of the debate – including the absence of a studio audience – will be a departure from previous debates. But, as in the past, the moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion,” according to the network.
Biden and Trump were the only candidates who met the qualification criteria; accordingly, Robert F. Kennedy and others will not be participating tonight.
Our live coverage will begin below at the time the debate starts.
