Staff Reports
Biden and Trump are ready to face off on the debate stage once again, but this time, CNN, the left-leaning network that’s more comfortable with spin than straightforward reporting, will be hosting the 2024 presidential debate. Breaking tradition from the Commission on Presidential Debates, which had been the standard since 1988, CNN’s got a few tricks up its sleeve.
Among the most notable changes is the shift in response timing. Both candidates will get two minutes to answer questions, with an additional minute for rebuttals. The supposed “fair moderators” Jake Tapper and Dana Bash can extend this if they feel like it. One can only wonder how impartial those decisions will be.
In an attempt to maintain control, CNN has decided to mute microphones when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak. This move conveniently caters to Biden’s campaign, which previously whined about Trump’s interruptions. By keeping the mics off, one could argue CNN is just ensuring Biden doesn’t get flustered when challenged. The candidates will have to watch timing lights to know when to speak – yellow for 15 seconds left, flashing red for 5 seconds, and solid red means their mic gloriously cuts off.
These are the rules #Trump and #Biden agreed to follow in CNN presidential debate…CNN skews the rules in favor of that dementia brain-rattled idiot #JoeBiden, but he'll still f*** it all up! 😆https://t.co/aUL8npfRbm #letsgobrandon #cnnisfakenews #mediabias #bidentrump #FJB pic.twitter.com/z645Z4lHSO
— Bobby McGee (@bobmcgee00123) June 27, 2024
The debate will be eerily quiet due to a CNN-favored decision to eliminate the audience entirely. Biden’s team pushed for this, claiming big crowds aren’t necessary. Funny, how the man who’s been hiding in his basement for the better part of his presidency prefers not to face a live audience now. The debate will take place in CNN’s Atlanta studio, making it a cozy affair for the network’s biases to play out without disturbance from the public.
Commercial breaks make a comeback with two strategically placed pauses in the 90-minute debate. This feels more like a way to ensure CNN can cram in extra ads and reminders of their sponsors rather than focusing uninterrupted on the actual discussion. No interaction with campaign staff during these breaks, apparently; maybe to prevent any immediate fact-checking.
Both candidates will be planted behind podiums, with Biden on the right and Trump on the left – as if podium placement will make a difference in how folks perceive their arguments. Biden will give the first closing statement, while Trump gets the last word. No props or notes allowed, just a pen, paper, and water bottle to get them through. Moderators can use “all tools at their disposal” to enforce civility? Expect a whole lot of loaded questions and interruptions on the real issues.
Tune in on CNN to watch this made-for-TV spectacle and see how much fun CNN has playing referee in this political joust. Just don’t be surprised if the game feels a bit rigged.
