President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have reached an agreement on the rules for the first presidential debate of the November race on CNN. The debate, set to take place in Atlanta on June 27, will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

The debate will run for 90 minutes and feature two commercial breaks. Both campaigns have accepted the network's rules, including the unprecedented stipulation of muting microphones except when it is a candidate's turn to speak. This was initially a point of concern for the Trump campaign. Each candidate will stand at a designated podium determined by a coin flip, without the presence of a live audience, a break from recent debate traditions.

Furthermore, candidates are barred from using props, pre-written notes, or interacting with campaign staff during commercial breaks. They will be provided only with a pen, pad of paper, and a bottle of water. The network has emphasized that moderators will enforce timing strictly to ensure a civilized discussion.

In an interesting development, there is a possibility for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to join the debate, although it remains uncertain. Candidates must achieve at least 15% support in four national polls and be on the ballot in enough states to reach 270 electoral votes. Kennedy is currently just short of these requirements, having met three of the four necessary polls and securing ballot access equivalent to 89 electoral votes.

The absence of a live audience is a notable change, proposed by Biden's campaign to avoid distractions from raucous crowds. Biden's campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, emphasized that debates should benefit American voters watching from home, rather than entertain an in-person audience filled with partisans and donors.

Differing perspectives were also evident regarding the debate format. While the Biden campaign preferred a seated debate, Trump pushed for standing positions, believing it would be more challenging for Biden. Trump expressed surprise that CNN agreed to his demands, especially given his contentious relationship with the network.

Polling data further highlights the stakes for both candidates. A recent J.L. Partners poll indicates that 49% of voters fear Biden may forget his location during the debate, while 41% believe he might wander off the stage. These perceptions underscore the scrutiny Biden faces regarding his mental acuity and stamina.

There are many contentious issues expected to be addressed, making this debate highly anticipated as it marks the first face-off between Biden and Trump since 2020. Observers are keen to see how both candidates perform under the new rules and what impact this will have on the election landscape. As the political theater unfolds, the stakes are high for both sides to make an impactful case to the American electorate.