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(NewsNation) — As President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prepare to face each other on a debate stage in Atlanta, they have also agreed to a new set of rules for the contest.
The 90-minute debate is the first of two set for the election cycle and will also be the first time either candidate has taken place in a debate since their last time on stage together in 2020. Biden was unchallenged in the Democratic primary race and Trump declined to participate in debates with other candidates for the GOP nomination, becoming the presumptive nominee despite his lack of participation.
The new rules are, in part, to avoid a repeat of 2020’s debate chaos as the candidates traded insults and Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden’s speaking time with moderators struggling to get debates back on track.
Here’s what will be different this time:
No live audience
While past debates have usually included a live studio audience, that won’t be the case this time. While Trump thrives on performing for a crowd, the move was made to limit interruptions.
Audiences have, in the past, broken from tradition and clapped or cheered for their candidate and booed opponents during debates. To avoid disrupting the event or throwing off the times allotted for questions and responses, the candidates will have to get through this debate without their supporters present.
Muted microphones
In 2020, Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden during his speaking time, something he also did to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the 2016 contest. Although moderators tried to get debates back on track following outbursts, they weren’t always successful.
This time, both Trump and Biden have agreed to have their microphones muted when it isn’t their turn to speak. Though the move has been made to limit interruptions, it could also mean missing out on iconic debate moments that come from candidates being caught off-guard on a hot mic.
No notes, no props
Neither candidate will be allowed to bring notes or props into the debate. That rule comes as the mental fitness and age of both candidates has been raised as an issue. They will be given a pen, notepad and bottle of water on stage.
Both Biden and Trump have had their share of gaffes caught on camera, from misspeaking words to apparent memory lapses. No notes will force both of them to demonstrate their abilities to address tough issues without a cheat sheet.
No opening statement
In contrast to the usual format, the debate will begin by immediately delving into questions. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond and one minute for rebuttals. Moderators will also be allowed to grant extra time if they think it’s necessary.
Biden and Trump will have the opportunity to give closing statements, both limited to two minutes.
Commercial breaks
Because it is being hosted by a cable network instead of the Commission on Presidential Debates, there will be two ad breaks, a first in recent history.
While viewers can do whatever they want during commercials, candidates cannot confer with staff during the pause.