What to Expect When You're Expecting ... a Debate

Unlike most such events in many Americans’ living memory, this one is not sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, a nonpartisan body established in 1987. Instead, it will occur under the auspices of CNN and feature some significant changes. As a testament to the increasing rancor of American political culture, the microphone for each candidate will go on only when it is his turn to speak: no more of the crosstalk and interruptions that characterized the Biden-Trump slugfests of 2020. The 90-minute debate will lack opening statements, and it will take place before an empty studio—no audience.

How the new format plays out remains to be seen. Muting the mic might deny Trump the opportunity for the out-of-turn zingers (“you’d be in jail”) that went viral in 2016 and 2020. A muted mic could also make him seem more restrained—and help him with undecided voters, who worry about Trump’s temperament.