CNN has recently revealed the details for the highly anticipated debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place on June 27 in Atlanta. This event will mark the earliest general election debate in history, as previous debates have typically occurred in the fall.

The network has implemented new measures to ensure a more organized and constructive debate session. One significant change is the muting of microphones when it is not the allotted speaking time for each candidate. This decision comes in response to the disruptions observed during the first debate of the 2020 cycle, prompting Biden to famously tell Trump, "Will you shut up, man?" Limited muting was also implemented during the second debate.

Additionally, CNN will incorporate two commercial breaks during the debate, deviating from the previous norm of no interruptions. It has been emphasized that campaign staff will not be allowed to interact with the candidates during these breaks.

The Commission on Presidential Debates, which has traditionally organized general election matchups since 1988, has been sidelined this time as both Biden and Trump agreed to participate in the CNN-hosted event. The candidates have accepted the rules and format of the debate, as outlined in the letters sent by CNN to their campaigns.

The debate will take place without a studio audience, although members of the media will be present on-site but not in the debate room. Furthermore, CNN plans to create a post-debate spin room, and the feed of the debate will be made available to other networks.

However, there is still a question looming over whether independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. will qualify for the debate. According to CNN, candidates must average at least 15% in four separate polls identified by the network. Kennedy has reached this threshold in three polls but must also appear on enough state ballots to have a chance of winning the necessary 270 electoral votes. At present, he is on the ballot in six states, amounting to a total of 89 electoral votes.

In addition to the CNN debate, both Biden and Trump have agreed to participate in a debate sponsored by ABC News on September 10. The debate will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.

The upcoming debate between Biden and Trump carries immense significance, particularly as it will be their first meeting this election cycle. With the introduction of muted mics and commercial breaks, CNN hopes to create a more orderly and substantive exchange of ideas between the candidates. The American public eagerly awaits this milestone event.