Trump-Biden debate: Little new insight into policy goals

Just because their microphones will be turned on only when it's their turn to speak, it doesn't mean there won't be interruptions, and campaign staffers of both candidates are preparing for it.

Since the candidates are still only 8 feet apart, there is a scenario where the viewer may not hear an interruption, but the other candidate and the moderators will.

Advisers from both campaigns told reporters that's something they've acknowledged or discussed in debate preparations.

The Biden campaign said it is hoping the president just flat-out ignores any distractions or comments that Trump makes.

The Trump campaign said it is aware that tonight they could play this both ways: The former president could stay on message when his microphone is turned on but make off-hand comments to irk Biden when his microphone is turned off.

When it comes to the traditional handshake between the candidates before the event, both sides are being coy.

One Biden adviser said, "I wouldn't do it," while an adviser for the Trump campaign responded simply by laughing.

To meet CNN's debate qualifications, candidates had to appear on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win the presidency. Also, they must receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting.

CNN announced on Thursday that Biden and Trump met those requirements -- meaning third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won't make it on the stage.

Aside from a livestreamed response to the debate, Kennedy has nothing on his public schedule for the coming weeks. Nor does his running mate, philanthropist Nicole Shanahan.

Biden and Trump will stand at lecterns decided earlier by a coin flip. Their microphones will be muted unless it is a candidate's turn to speak, CNN said, which is likely to limit how much the candidates can interrupt each other.

Though it's yet not clear who will control the ability to mute the candidates' microphones, the moderators "will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion," according to the network.

MORE | Will muted mics, other rules make a difference in tonight's debate?

According to CNN's rules, Biden and Trump won't be allowed to use any props or pre-written notes, but will be given paper, a pen and water. Their campaign staffs will not be allowed to interact with them during the debate.

There will be no opening statements. The coin flip determined Biden would stand at the podium to the viewer's right, while Trump would deliver the final closing statement.

Going without a live audience was important to the Biden campaign, but also to CNN. The network's town hall with Trump in 2023 was panned in large part because of the presence of Trump partisans.

Donald Trump's private plane has landed in Atlanta ahead of Thursday's first general election presidential debate.

A group of his supporters gathered on the tarmac to witness the landing and cheered as he touched down.