The first of at least two presidential debates is this week. Here is what you need to know and how to tune in:The debate begins Thursday at 6 p.m. Arizona time and is expected to last 90 minutes.ABC15 Arizona will air CNN's simulcast of the debate live on-air and online starting at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
Watch on ABC15 Arizona, ABC15 streaming apps, or check back here at 6 p.m. to watch a live feed of the debate.Presumptive Democratic nominee President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee former President Donald Trump have accepted invitations to participate. Independent candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Jill Stein, did not meet the criteria for an invitation. Several independent candidates have threatened legal action over not being included.
Candidates will be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water, but they are not allowed to bring any prewritten notes or props with them to the stage, organizers said.For the first time since 1984, leading presidential candidates will debate outside the auspices of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns criticized the debate-organizing nonprofit for its format.
Instead, President Biden and Trump formalized agreements with CNN and ABC News allowing them to organize and simulcast two presidential debates. A vice presidential debate will also be organized by CBS News between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's yet-to-be-named running mate.Trump says he's decided on a running mate ahead of this Thursday's debate