Biden Wins Debate Coin Flip, Chooses Podium Position Instead of Final Word Against Trump
President Joe Biden won a crucial coin flip ahead of the first presidential debate scheduled for June 27, 2024, but surprised many by choosing his podium position over the potentially more strategic advantage of delivering the final closing statement. CNN reported that the coin toss outcome gave Biden’s team the first choice between selecting which side of the podium to stand on or the order of closing remarks. Biden chose the right-side podium as per his personal preference, while former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to secure the last word in the debate. This debate is marked by strict rules agreed upon by both candidates, including muted microphones when not speaking and no use of note cards or aide consultation during the debate. The event, hosted by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash in Atlanta, will have specific logistics like time for commercial breaks and allowed items on stage. This decision by Biden showed an unexpected priority and has been part of the broader preparation styles differing between the two candidates; Biden is preparing intensively at Camp David, whereas Trump is opting for broader policy discussions with his team.
Biden Wins Crucial Coin Flip, Picks Curious Debate ‘Advantage’ over Trump
By Bryan Chai June 21, 2024 at 4:09pm
Given how much former President Donald Trump loves to get the final word in on any issue, one would assume that President Joe Biden would cherish the chance to strip his predecessor of getting a last word in, especially in a debate setting.
One would assume wrong.
According to CNN, which will host the first debate, Biden won a crucial coin flip ahead of the June 27 debate.
The coin, which turned up tails, gave Team Biden the option to choose between either podium position or the order in which closing remarks are delivered.
The incumbent, apparently, opted to lock in his podium position — a seemingly far lesser advantage than choosing the order of closing statements.
CNN noted that, due to his selection, Biden will now appear on the right side of the debate stage to viewers, while Trump will occupy the left-side podium.
Team Trump then chose to have Biden deliver the first set of closing remarks, giving the former president the true last word for the upcoming debate.
Jim Messina, who was the former campaign manager for Barack Obama and someone “in close contact with Biden’s team,” explained why Biden chose the podium position, per ABC News.
“As to why Biden chose the right-side podium after winning the coin flip, Messina said Biden just ‘likes’ that side and it’s a ‘personal preference,’” the outlet noted.
Would you have picked podium position over having the last word?
Biden and Trump also appear to be adopting radically different mindsets heading into the ballyhooed debate.
According to Reuters, Biden “is hunkered down with aides at Camp David,” while Trump “is eschewing traditional preparation” in favor of broader policy discussions with his team.
Whatever the reasons for Biden’s curious decision are, the June 27 debate is rapidly taking shape.
Both Trump and Biden agreed to rules for the CNN debate, and they include some curious quirks.
Both Trump and Biden will have muted mics unless they are actively giving an answer.
Neither man is allowed to use any note cards or converse with aides.
(That second rule somewhat negates a common social media theory that Biden is choosing a certain podium to more easily get help with responses.)
Both men are allowed a bottle of water, a pen and a pad of paper.
The debate will last 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks, as well — giving both presidential candidates some crucial breathing room.
CNN hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the debate, which will take place in Atlanta.
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