President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees respectively, will participate in two presidential debates ahead of the 2024 election. The debates are set for June and September, hosted by major cable news networks.
When is the presidential debate?
CNN will host the first debate on June 27 at 9 p.m. ET at its Atlanta studios, recognizing Georgia’s status as a critical battleground state.
Who will moderate the debate?
The debate will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, according to a statement from CNN’s press room.
Bash is CNN’s chief political correspondent and anchor of “Inside Politics,” a weekday political talk show. Tapper is a leading anchor for CNN, chief Washington correspondent, and host of the news show “The Lead With Jake Tapper.”
How to watch the presidential debate
The first debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and CNN Max. For those without cable, the debate can be streamed live at CNN.com. Additionally, it will be available on other broadcast and cable news networks across the United States.
The second debate, hosted by ABC, is scheduled for Sept. 10. Further details about the location and moderators for the ABC-hosted debate are yet to be announced.
What are the presidential debate rules?
In addition to meeting constitutional requirements and registering as a candidate with the Federal Election Commission, both news organizations require that candidates be on the ballot in enough states to reach at least 270 electoral votes. Candidates must also “accept the rules and format of the debate” and receive at least 15% in four national polls of registered or likely voters.
Microphones will be muted except for that candidate’s allotted time to speak. There will be no studio audience.
Will Independent candidates participate in the debate?
So far, no. The TV networks’ requirements make it challenging for independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy and Cornel West to qualify for the debate stage. However, Kennedy has announced his intention to try. He has already exceeded 15% in two qualifying polls, a feat no other contender has achieved. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in states totaling 85 electoral votes. His campaign and a pro-Kennedy super PAC claim they have gathered enough signatures to get on the ballot in an additional 11 states, which account for another 129 electoral votes.
However, on May 15, in a statement on X, Kennedy said he will meet the requirements by the times of the debate.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to watch 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden, Donald Trump
