Former President Donald J. Trump will have the final say in CNN’s upcoming presidential debate, following a coin toss loss to President Biden’s campaign.
The coin toss allowed Mr. Biden to choose between selecting his podium or determining the order of closing statements. Mr. Biden opted for the podium and will be positioned on the right side of viewers’ screens.
During the 2020 election debates, Mr. Biden consistently appeared to the left of Mr. Trump, and on viewers’ right.
Mr. Biden’s campaign did not immediately provide a comment on why he chose podium placement over speaking order or his preference for that placement.
In the vice-presidential debates of 2008 and 2012, Mr. Biden was positioned on the left side of viewers’ screens, opposite to his upcoming debate placement.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump will be standing for the entire 90-minute debate, starting at 9 p.m. Eastern time, with two commercial breaks and no interaction with campaign staff allowed during breaks.
Their microphones will only be activated when it is their turn to speak, a condition requested by Mr. Biden’s team.
In the 2020 debate, Mr. Biden delivered a memorable line in response to Mr. Trump’s interruptions: “Will you shut up, man?”
The upcoming debate will not have an in-person audience, a request made by Mr. Biden’s campaign from the beginning.
CNN confirmed that Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump will have a one-on-one debate, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate, did not meet the participation requirements.
Reid J. Epstein contributed reporting.
