President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in their first 2024 election debate on June 27, marking the first-ever debate between a sitting president and a former president.

The debate, hosted by CNN in their Atlanta studio, will feature a tightly controlled format with no studio audience, muted microphones except when it's a candidate's turn to speak, and stringent requirements both candidates had to meet to qualify. This historic encounter, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, underscores the high stakes of the 2024 election and reflects a departure from previous debate formats, emphasizing order and structure. It's a unique moment in American political history, drawing significant attention ahead of the pivotal election.

CNN’s decision to host the debate in their Atlanta studio marks a significant change from the previous 2020 Biden-Trump debates. Those debates featured live studio audiences and were hosted by universities. The absence of a live audience in this year's debate is expected to focus more attention on the candidates' exchanges without any external distractions or audience reactions.

Jake Tapper and Dana Bash of CNN are set to moderate the debate. They will ensure that each candidate's microphone is muted when it is not their turn to speak, aiming to maintain decorum and prevent interruptions that have marred past debates. This measure is part of the broader rules designed to create a more orderly and structured dialogue between the candidates.

This debate will be accessible to a global audience, as it will be aired live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and CNN Max. Additionally, it will be streamed on CNN.com, ensuring that both domestic and international viewers can tune in. For the tens of millions expected to watch, this historic face-off provides a critical opportunity to understand where each candidate stands on pressing issues.

Both Biden and Trump had to fulfill several criteria to qualify for the debate. They met the constitutional requirements of Article II, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution, which includes being a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years old, and a resident within the U.S. for 14 years. They also filed formal statements of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Furthermore, they appeared on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold, and most importantly, received at least 15% in four separate national polls that meet CNN’s standards for reporting.

The candidates had no issues meeting these qualifications, and they agreed to the debate's terms. These include standing at uniform podiums, with podium positions determined by a coin flip. Each candidate will have only a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water, with no other props or pre-written notes allowed. This setup is intended to ensure fairness and focus purely on the candidates' abilities to articulate their vision and policies.

During the debate, candidates will not be allowed to interact with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks. This restriction is another effort to maintain the debate’s integrity and prevent any external influence during the event. The intention is to place Biden and Trump on an even playing field, relying solely on their own preparation and knowledge.

By implementing these measures, CNN aims to offer the electorate a clear and organized presentation of each candidate's stance on key issues, devoid of chaos.

The significance of this debate is underscored by its historical context – the first meeting between a sitting president and a former president in a debate setting. This unprecedented event highlights the unique political dynamics of the 2024 election, which could set the course for America's immediate future in starkly contrasting ways.

Political analysts and the general public alike are keenly anticipating how each candidate will leverage this platform to galvanize voter support. Given their well-documented rivalry and contrasting political ideologies, this debate stands to be a mirror reflecting the deep political divisions in the United States.

Looking ahead, the second debate is already scheduled for September 10, 2024, and will be hosted by ABC. This upcoming debate will also follow a similarly structured format, ensuring that the principles of order and fairness continue to be upheld.

In summation, the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump not only marks a critical moment in the 2024 election cycle but also sets a precedent for how future presidential debates might be conducted. This event, with its rigorous rules and high stakes, is expected to draw intense focus from both sides of the political spectrum.