In a historic first, President Biden and former President Trump will face off tonight at 9 p.m. ET in a CNN-hosted debate, where microphones will be muted and tempers are sure to be loud.

Set against the backdrop of CNN's Atlanta studio, tonight's unprecedented debate will see Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the incumbent President and his bombastic predecessor, engage in a battle of wits with an extra twist: muted microphones. Under the watchful eyes of moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, this 90-minute spectacle—airing across multiple networks—promises to be as much a test of patience as it is policy, with candidates adhering to stringent rules in a no-audience setup. Marking the earliest debate in election cycles and breaking new ground with its unique format, expect a blend of theatrics and theatrics-toned-down.

The debate will be held at CNN’s studios in Atlanta. Both candidates met the necessary polling and ballot benchmarks to qualify, thus setting the stage for an anticipated showdown. One wonders if the decision to host it at CNN's studios was influenced by their vending machine snacks.

Viewers tuning in from various networks—including ABC News, CBS News, C-SPAN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NBC News, and NPR—will witness the democratic spectacle live, as CNN confirmed it will air in real-time. No drama here, just democracy at its finest!

President Biden, standing at the podium on the right side of the stage, has been preparing rigorously at Camp David. Presidential debate prep, as one might say, has become his new favorite outdoor activity. Former President Trump, on the other hand, has taken a less conventional route, choosing to engage in policy discussions with his advisors instead of traditional rehearsal methods. It's safe to say that while Biden might have the best-prepared answers, Trump might just surprise us with some unexpected policy points.

Trump's eclectic advisory team for debate prep features notable figures such as Senators J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, and former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell. In contrast, Biden's team focused on structured mock debates and strategy polishing. Perhaps this mix of spontaneity and structure will make for an interesting showdown.

A significant moment in debate history, this occasion marks the first instance where a sitting president (Biden) and his immediate predecessor (Trump) share the debate stage. Such a scenario amplifies the tension and heightens the historical significance of the event. It's almost as if the universe decided to throw a family reunion, just with more microphones and fewer awkward small talks.

In a strategic twist, the debate format includes muted microphones during each candidate's non-speaking periods. This rule was implemented to maintain decorum and ensure a more focused discussion, though it remains to be seen how this will affect the typical debate dynamics—think of it as the political version of having your Zoom call on mute. Who will be the first to forget to unmute? Stay tuned.

The debate's timing is also notable, occurring unusually early in the election cycle, even before the party conventions. This early staging adds a layer of unpredictability, offering voters an initial glimpse of the candidates' platforms and styles. Who knew political drama could arrive sooner than your favorite summer blockbuster?

With no studio audience present, the debate's atmosphere is set to be starkly different from prior events filled with audience reactions and applause. This quieter setting could potentially bring candidates' speaking content and delivery into sharper focus. Plus, with no distractions, even the candidates' ties might get the attention they deserve.

The debate framework also includes two commercial breaks, ensuring candidates get brief moments of respite amid the 90-minute marathon. Such intermissions might just be as crucial as the debate content in maintaining energy and poise.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite being a notable figure, did not qualify for the debate. His absence leaves the stage solely to the heavyweight contenders, Biden and Trump—proof that sometimes it's not enough to bring a famous name to the podium.

As the debates advance, with the second set for September 10, 2024, tonight's event will significantly set the tone and potentially influence campaign trajectories. While Biden retreats to Camp David for some serious prep and Trump dives into policy discussions, it's clear the stakes couldn't be higher—and neither could the chances of some improv comedy along the way.

In closing, as Trump is slated to deliver the final remarks, viewers can expect a dramatic end to what promises to be a captivating political theater evening. Will the subtleties of preparation techniques reflect in their performance, or will the heat of the moment drive the spectacle? Only time— and a muted microphone— will tell.