You’re probably counting down the hours until the first Biden-Trump debate on June 27th. This showdown between the former president and current commander-in-chief is shaping up to be the political event of the summer. After months of tense back-and-forth, we’ll finally get to see these two rivals go mic-to-mic. But with CNN muting the mics during responses, things might get a little less fiery than expected. Still, there are plenty of juicy topics that are ripe for confrontation. Will Biden grill Trump on his response to the pandemic? Will Trump badger Biden about his mental sharpness? One thing’s for sure – this debate is going to garner a massive audience. So get the popcorn ready and clear your Monday night schedule. We’re in for some verbal fireworks as these political heavyweights step into the ring.
Muted Mics at the First Presidential Debate
The June 27 debate between Biden and Trump will make history as the first presidential debate with muted microphones. According to the rules set by CNN, the candidates’ mics will be muted for two minutes at the start of each 15-minute segment to allow each candidate two minutes of uninterrupted speaking time.
Promoting Civility
The goal of muting the mics is to promote civility and allow each candidate to speak without constant interruptions. In previous debates, Trump frequently interrupted Clinton, and some analysts say it may have cost her crucial speaking time and the ability to make her points clearly. Muting the mics aims to avoid a repeat of that scenario and allow both candidates equal time to share their perspectives.
Ensuring Equal Time
With muted mics, each candidate is guaranteed two uninterrupted minutes to make their opening statement on each segment topic. After the initial two minutes, the mics will be turned back on for a discussion and Q&A portion, but the moderators will aim to strictly enforce timing to ensure each candidate has equal speaking opportunities. The debate rules also prohibit candidates from bringing props, notes or visual aids to discourage diversions that could eat into their allotted time.
Hostile Exchanges Still Possible
While muted mics may reduce interruptions, the debate could still turn hostile, as the candidates will have opportunities to directly engage with and respond to each other. The Trump and Biden campaigns have already exchanged attacks, and tensions are likely to surface during the live debate. Muted mics won’t prevent candidates from leveling accusations and criticisms at each other, but supporters hope it will at least allow each candidate adequate time to make their position clear before the back-and-forth begins.
The new rules aim for civil discourse and equal time, but a contentious debate is still probable. With the election only months away, the stakes are high, and both candidates will be eager to make their case to the American public. Muted mics or not, it’s sure to be a debate for the history books.
What to Expect From Biden and Trump on Stage
When Biden and Trump take the stage on June 27, expect some verbal fireworks. ###Policy clashes With the election just around the corner, both candidates will be eager to tout their policy positions and records. Expect Biden to hammer Trump on his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout. Trump will likely attack Biden’s support for progressive policies like the Green New Deal. These policy clashes could get heated.
Personal attacks
Unfortunately, personal insults have become commonplace in these debates. Trump frequently hurls insults at his opponents, and Biden has shown a willingness to punch back. There will likely be accusations of dementia or corruption from Trump, with Biden questioning Trump’s intelligence or fitness for office in response. These personal attacks may thrill hardcore supporters but turn off independent voters.
Fact-checking challenges
Both Trump and Biden have been frequent targets of fact-checkers, who point out false or misleading statements. With real-time fact-checking, CNN hosts will push back on falsehoods. However, it will still be difficult for viewers to separate truth from fiction on policy issues like the economy or health care in the moment. The debates often descend into “he said, he said” situations that are hard to resolve.
Muted mics
New rules allowing moderators to mute candidates’ microphones could help avoid constant interruptions and talking over each other as in previous debates. However, muting mics also risks cutting off a candidate in the middle of an answer or allowing the other candidate extra time to respond. Moderators will have to walk a fine line to avoid perceptions of bias.
Overall, the first presidential debate is shaping up to be must-see TV, for better or worse. While the new rules aim to encourage more substantive discussion of policy issues, personal attacks and fact-checking challenges could still dominate the headlines. Voters hoping for a thoughtful, in-depth debate may end up disappointed. But those looking for political drama and fireworks will likely get their fill.
Debate Format and Rules Set by CNN
On CNN announced the rules and format for the first 2020 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on June 27. The debate aims to keep things civil while allowing an open exchange of ideas.
Muted Microphones
To prevent interruptions and crosstalk, the candidates’ microphones will be muted while the other candidate is giving their initial two-minute response to each question. After that time, both microphones will be turned on to allow for open discussion. Moderators can still mute the mics if the candidates continue to interrupt each other. This rule aims to allow each candidate’s ideas to be heard without interruption, while still enabling robust debate.
No Live Audience
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no live audience at the debate. Only the moderator, candidates, their spouses, and a small number of debate organizers, journalists and network executives will be present. The lack of audience reactions could make for a more subdued atmosphere and prevent playing to the crowd.
Two Commercial Breaks
The 90-minute debate will feature two minutes of opening statements and two commercial breaks. The breaks aim to provide relief from the intensity of the debate and allow viewers to reflect on the discussion.
No Props Allowed
To keep the focus on the issues, candidates are not allowed to bring any props, charts, or other visual aids to the debate. They must rely solely on their words and arguments to make their case.
Questions on Policy & Leadership
Questions will focus on the candidates’ policy positions and leadership abilities. The moderator will select questions that aim to highlight the contrasts between the candidates and probe their positions in depth. Viewers can expect a substantive discussion of the major issues facing the country.
CNN has aimed to design a debate focused on the issues, limiting distractions and theater. The rules aim for an in-depth, civil discussion of policy and leadership. Of course, with two strong personalities like Biden and Trump, there is still potential for conflict and drama. The nation will be watching to see if the candidates can rise to the occasion.
Topics Likely to Come Up at the June 27 Debate
Given the current events and issues dominating the news cycle, there are several hot-button topics likely to come up during the first presidential debate. With the country still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, expect the response to the crisis and plans for recovery to take center stage.
Trump and Biden will undoubtedly spar over their differing approaches to handling the outbreak. Biden will likely criticize Trump’s slow response and push for more funding for testing and contact tracing. Trump may counter that he took action early by restricting travel from China and Europe and ramping up production of critical supplies. The candidates’ views on safely reopening schools and businesses are also sure to surface.
Racial injustice and police reform are other urgent issues voters want addressed. Following nationwide protests over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, Biden and Trump will probably outline their visions for addressing systemic racism and ensuring equal treatment under the law. Biden aims to expand the Justice Department’s power to address police misconduct, while Trump favors increased funding for law enforcement training.
The economic fallout from the health crisis is a related area of dispute. Biden blames Trump for failing to contain the outbreak and causing greater job losses and business closures. Trump will tout pre-pandemic economic gains and argue his policies can engineer a strong recovery. His push for payroll tax cuts, deregulation and bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. contrasts with Biden’s plan to invest in green energy and raise taxes on the wealthy.
While the moderator will try to keep the candidates focused on substantive policy issues, personal attacks are likely as well. Biden and Trump’s age and fitness for office, Trump’s impeachment and Biden’s son Hunter could all potentially come up. The debate may get heated at times, but voters will be listening for concrete solutions to the immense challenges facing the nation.
How to Watch the First Biden-Trump Debate
The first 2020 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is fast approaching. Hosted by CNN, the debate will air live on June 27 at 9 p.m. ET. If you want to tune in, there are a few ways to watch.
Live TV
The easiest way to watch the debate is on CNN. Just turn your TV to CNN at 9 p.m. ET on debate night. In addition to cable subscribers, the debate will also air on CNN for subscribers of live streaming services like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
CNN Digital Platforms
Don’t have cable? No problem. The debate will stream live on CNN.com and the CNN mobile apps for iOS and Android with no authentication required. So you can watch on your phone, tablet, laptop or streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
Other News Networks
Most major news networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, MSNBC, C-SPAN and PBS will also air the debate live. Some may even offer live streams on their websites and apps. Check with your local stations for details.
Listen on Radio
Prefer to listen to the audio? Many news radio stations like NPR, Fox News Radio and SiriusXM will carry live coverage of the debate. You can also stream audio on CNN.com and most radio station websites.
The first presidential debate is sure to be a heated affair with lots of memorable moments. Make sure you tune in on June 27 to see Biden and Trump go head to head, with CNN’s Anderson Cooper moderating. The debate will cover key issues like the economy, racial injustice, climate change and of course, the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Don’t miss this important event in American politics!
Conclusion
So what does this all mean for you? With the first presidential debate just around the corner, expect a spectacle as Biden and Trump face off one-on-one for the first time. The muted mics may help tone down some of the chaos we saw in 2016, but both candidates still have plenty of zingers saved up. Ultimately, it comes down to you to cut through the noise and hype. Focus on the policies, not the personalities. And however you’re planning to vote in November, make sure your voice gets heard at the ballot box. Our democracy works best when we all participate.
