How CNN Controlled the Biden-Trump Debate

Several actions were taken by the American media in agreement with the campaign teams of both candidates for Thursday evening’s debate. The goal: to avoid a mess like the first televised fight between the two during the 2020 presidential election.

Anticipated fighting in substance and unprecedented in form. Four months before the US presidential election on November 5th, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face each other on television, Thursday 27th at 9pm (3am in France), almost four years later for the 2020 election. Both did not hesitate to attack each other personally in the tense situation.

This time, the American channel CNN, which is organizing the event, wants to avoid cacophony and controversy. The debate will be held on its premises, in Atlanta (Georgia), without an audience and with detachable microphones, among other arrangements agreed upon. Campaign teams of the two candidates.

The meeting was organized by CNN for the first time since 1988

The popular American news channel is organizing a televised battle of a presidential campaign for the first time since the late 1980s, and the two oldest candidates in American history have backed the Commission, the historic organizer of these battles. In the presidential debates. Since 1988, this independent body has prepared each of these essential political meetings.

Joe Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, justified the choice. “The Commission’s model of creating grand spectacles with large audiences… is simply not necessary or optimal”He wrote in a letter, the statement The Washington Post. She regrets what she thought were the last discussions “Entertainment for audiences created by noisy or disruptive donors”. Another debate is scheduled for September 10 on the ABC channel, but organizational arrangements are currently unknown.

Initial debate compared to previous campaigns

Remembered by The New York Times, this first televised fight takes place early in the campaign, several months ahead of the usual date. During the 2020 presidential election, the first televised meeting between the two took place on September 29.

The debate also comes before the Democratic and Republican nominating conventions. As a result, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will be considered as their camp’s candidates in the presidential election. In an increasingly tight race, both play big. According to the average of national studies established by the site Five thirty eight As of June 26, Joe Biden and Donald Trump are close in voting intent (40.8% for Democrats and 40.7% for Republicans). Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is third with 9.5%.

This first fight marks a critical moment in the campaign, and political columnist Ronald Brownstein believes it will be the benchmark. CNNIn “Exposing Character and Skills”. For Donald Trump, the row will allow him to soften his image with a segment of the public. “Donald Trump’s biggest challenge is his character…many voters still don’t believe he has ethics, a commitment to the law, or a presidential moral compass.”He is analyzing.

For Joe Biden, who will celebrate his 82nd birthday two weeks after the election, it is first necessary to dispel the doubts and reluctance of some voters about his health. “If he survives the trauma, he can alleviate massive concerns about his age.”Analysis On that day Corentin Sellin, associate professor of history, specializes in the United States. He mentions that Donald Trump should “Avoid acting your age (78 this week)”.

A revised system to avoid any clutter

In 2020, the first debate between the two contenders for the White House, followed by 73 million people turned into a frenzy. The provocations, taunts and personal attacks stopped Two hours. Donald Trump, then the outgoing president, continued to interrupt his Democratic rival, saying: “Shut up, man?”

Steps have been taken by CNN to prevent history from repeating itself. With one big change: The debate will take place without an audience, and after the 1976 presidential election, Joe Biden’s microphone will be cut off while Donald Trump speaks. According to a request from the current US president’s team The New York Times.

CNN Note that this 90-minute fight will be interrupted by two commercial breaks. During these downtimes, candidates will be prohibited from interacting with their teams. The media also mentions that“No props or pre-written notes are allowed on stage.” Joe Biden and Donald Trump will still be given a pen, a paper and a bottle of water. CNN’s two moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the channel’s figures, “They will use all the tools at their disposal to enforce talking time and ensure civilized debate.”