Tonight marks the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season, featuring President Biden and former President Donald Trump. The debate will commence at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast by CNN, with simulcasts on other networks including CBS and CBS News 24/7 streaming, as first reported by CBS News.
Debate Participants
This debate will include only the two main party candidates: President Biden and former President Donald Trump. Other candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., did not qualify due to ballot access and polling requirements set by CNN.
Kennedy, an independent candidate, plans to hold his own online “debate” concurrently.
Moderators and Format
CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate, aiming to ensure a structured and civilized discussion. The debate will take place in CNN’s Atlanta studios.
Debate Rules
Breaking from past traditions, this debate is not overseen by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The 90-minute event will feature two commercial breaks and no opening statements. Each candidate will give a closing statement, with President Biden delivering his first, followed by former President Trump.
Microphones will be muted except when it is the candidate’s turn to speak, preventing interruptions that marked previous debates. Candidates are permitted to have a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
Potential Topics
CNN has not disclosed specific topics, but likely subjects according to CBS News, will include border security and immigration, abortion rights, Trump’s legal issues, Hunter Biden’s legal troubles, the economy, and concerns about the candidates’ age and health.
Viewing Options
The debate will air on CNN and be simulcast on other networks, including CBS. It can also be streamed online at CNN.com and CBSNews.com.
Future Debates
A second debate is scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC News.
A vice presidential debate is tentatively planned for July 23 or August 13, with Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed to participate, while Trump has yet to announce his running mate.
