CNN issues final rules for Biden-Trump debate, including silencing mics when not candidate’s ‘turn’ to speak

The decision to mute the mics comes after 2020 when Trump went hard after Biden to the point where the moderators had to step in, according to the Daily Mail. The rule appeared to some to be targeting the former president. Each candidate will be given the same podium and position will be determined by a coin flip. No props or pre-written notes are allowed, however, candidates are allowed a pen and paper as well as a bottle of water.

Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may still qualify for the debate. CNN, over the weekend, said that it was not "impossible" for Kennedy to qualify at this point, noting that a candidate needs to have gotten 15 percent support in four national polls to also take the stage, per Fox News.

Candidates will debate for 90 minutes in the battleground state for the first of at least two debates that will be held before November 5. The debate will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The two anchors will use "all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion."

Trump has demanded that Biden take a drug test before the debate in several different instances, alluding to the many different flubs from Biden that may indicate old age and a decline in mental acuity for the president. During the campaign, Biden has taken aim at Trump over his NYC trial conviction and may do so during the debate. Trump has also revealed that in response to that possible strategy from Joe Biden, Hunter Biden's criminal history and his ties to the president will be a topic of discussion.