1st Biden-Trump debate will include microphone muting, coin flip and more

The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will feature a number of new rules designed to keep the event civil and prevent interruptions. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced the changes on Wednesday, including the possibility of muting microphones during the event. The candidates will participate in six 15-minute segments focusing on six different topics, chosen by the commission. The order of the segments will be determined by a coin flip. During each segment, the candidates will be able to speak for two minutes before a moderator asks questions. After each two-minute segment, the candidates will have an opportunity to respond to each other. The commission said it will mute the candidates' microphones during the other candidate's opening and closing statements. The commission also said it will mute the microphones if either candidate repeatedly interrupts the other or the moderator. The changes come after the first presidential debate in 2016, which was widely criticized for its chaotic nature. Trump, in particular, was accused of repeatedly interrupting Clinton and the moderator. The commission said the new rules are designed to give both candidates an equal opportunity to speak and to ensure a more respectful and orderly debate. The first presidential debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Summary

"The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The debate will feature a number of new rules designed to keep the event civil and prevent interruptions, including the possibility of muting microphones during the event. The changes come after the first presidential debate in 2016, which was widely criticized for its chaotic nature."