CNN CEO Mark Thompson hopes to avoid ‘heat’ from Trump-Biden debate, Internet skeptical about fairness

WASHINGTON DC: CNN CEO Mark Thompson aims to host an enlightening yet civil debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on Thursday, 27 June.

With stringent rules in place, Thompson hopes to keep the discussion focused and respectful.

Mark Thompson on debate format: Ensuring light, not heat

Thompson, who assumed the role of CNN's chief executive last fall, highlighted the significance of a structured debate in preventing needless conflict.

The debate will be overseen by moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, with the candidates' microphones being muted when it is not their turn to speak.

"The fact that we got it was something of a moment for us," Thompson told the New York Times.

"Much of the reaction of the public, the rest of the media and other politicians is going to depend on President Trump and President Biden, who are the stars of the show," Thompson said.

Regarding the debate format, Thompson said, "It's been done in a way, at least in principle, that is designed to get as much light as possible, and not to be overwhelmed with heat," The Hill reported. 

Moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash under fire

The debate will feature no live studio audience, a first since the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate. Candidates will be prohibited from using pre-prepared notes or any paper, although they will be allowed a water bottle.

Additionally, they won't be permitted to consult their campaign teams during a break.

The debate's moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, have been criticized by the Trump campaign, which accused CNN of bias.

This controversy escalated when CNN morning anchor Kasie Hunt cut off an interview with Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt after she attempted to attack Tapper and Bash.

In response to the criticism, CNN defended Tapper and Bash, stating, "There are no two people better equipped to co-moderate a substantial and fact-based discussion."

Internet reacts with skepticism and criticism

Internet reactions have been mixed, with some expressing doubts about the fairness of the debate.

"CNN chief hopes to avoid heat from Trump-Biden debate. Gee I wonder why? You know these two moderators will be fair and unbiased, right?" one comment read.

"It's more incredible that this pro-Biden forum is even allowed. I guess they have no choice, since in a normal debate Biden shits the bed."

"He can run the cleanest debate since Yoda/Skywalker and still be trashed by MAGA...they are MAGA...it’s all they do," wrote another.

"Then he shouldn’t be in the business," wrote another commenter. "The 'heat' as usual was caused by Trump," added another.

"I anticipate they will do all they can to prop up Biden and make DJT look less favorable. With that said, DJT is a media master, so I suspect he will come out of the debate unscathed," commented one user.

"Nothing about this debate between Trump and Biden is fair," another user stated. "Never should have agreed to this. If CNN is the host, the moderators should have come from the other 2 major networks," suggested another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.