Debate Commission Co-Chair Criticizes CNN for Trump-Biden Debate Rules
Welcome to the Boston Post News, where we bring you the latest updates on the upcoming presidential debates for the 2024 campaign cycle. CNN has recently received criticism from the co-chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates for making changes to the traditional debate format as they gear up to host the first debate between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.
The Biden campaign decided in May not to participate in debates organized by the commission, citing concerns about enforcement of rules from the 2020 debates. Instead, they plan to join debates hosted by TV networks, bypassing the nonpartisan commission’s usual role in organizing the events.
Despite this decision, Biden and Trump have agreed on the dates for the debates themselves, with CNN set to host the first debate in Atlanta before the parties officially nominate their candidates later this summer.
In an interview with The Hill’s Evening Report, Frank Fahrenkopf, Chairperson of the Commission on Presidential Debates, emphasized that the commission will continue its work in future election cycles, despite the current situation.
Fahrenkopf criticized CNN for deviating from traditional debate customs, including the decision not to have an in-person audience, which he attributed to the Biden campaign’s preference.
Additionally, CNN announced that the candidates’ microphones would be muted when it is not their turn to speak, a move that Fahrenkopf called into question. He also raised concerns about the network’s choice to air two commercial breaks during the 90-minute event, questioning the interruption to discuss such a critical aspect of American democracy.
Furthermore, campaign staff will not be allowed to communicate with the candidates during the breaks, and Trump and Biden are prohibited from bringing prewritten notes but will be provided with a pen and notepad.
Fahrenkopf also expressed skepticism about the fairness of post-debate analysis provided by guests on the network, given their affiliation with the debate’s host, presenting a potential challenge for unbiased commentary.
The upcoming debate will be moderated by CNN’s own Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, promising an interesting and potentially contentious event.
Stay tuned to the Boston Post News for further updates on the 2024 presidential debates and the evolving dynamics between the candidates and the media hosting these critical events.
