In what appears to be a pathetic attempt to be transparent, CNN revealed how microphones would work during Thursday night’s debate as part of the network’s so-called “rules,” which many argue favor Joe Biden.
Anchor Victor Blackwell showed how the two green lights behind each podium are meant to signal to candidates when their mics are turned on.
Blackwell then gave an example of what the debate would be like if a candidate tried to speak when the lights were off.
Watch
CNN demonstrates how microphones will work at the Biden-Trump debate during interruptions. pic.twitter.com/HUXU11vRRt
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 26, 2024
He then brought out another anchor who stood behind the podium. The anchor spoke while the other man proceeded to mock “interrupt.”
Blackwell said his “volume remains constant while Phil’s interruption can be difficult to understand.”
The pair then played out the same scenario, swapping who’s microphone was on and who’s was turned off.
The other anchor, Phil, then repeated the same statements during the second example.
“My volume remains constant while Victor’s interruption can be hard to understand.”
He went on to explain to CNN viewers that the network shared this demonstration with both campaigns earlier Wednesday.
“[Now] we’re sharing it with you, our viewers, so everyone understands how tomorrow night will work,” he said.
“We should note”–he continued–” by agreeing to participate in this debate both campaigns and candidates have also agreed to abide by these rules.”
The anchor then concludes by promoting the debate, which will air on CNN on Thursday, June 27, at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
However, the muting of microphones is just one of the many rules CNN imposes.
Others include the multiple commercial breaks and no studio audience.
Former CNN political analyst Chris Cillizza called out the “pro-Biden” rules, many of which were requested by the Biden campaign.
Cillizza explained that the microphone mutting helps Biden because “Donald Trump just talks and talks and talks and talks.”
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Ex-CNN Analyst Breaks Down Just How 'Pro-Biden' His Former Network's Rules Are In Upcoming Trump Debate pic.twitter.com/Y8eMjncbUb
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 17, 2024
“You know, in 2020 Biden said, ‘Hey man, why don’t you just shut up?’ That was actually probably the most memorable moment of the debate, which probably wouldn’t happen this time around with the muted mics,” he said.
“I do think it helps Biden because I think Trump just tries to get you off your pace, off your rhythm, off your game, right?” he continued.
“So that’s rule one, benefit Biden one,” he said, later revealing his belief that three of the four rules he dissected ultimately benefit the President over Trump.
Earlier this week, podcaster Tim Pool highlighted another red flag after CNN contacted him and other media as the network cracks down on conservative YouTube, social media channels and websites.
“CNN is now threatening any social channels that provide commentary on the debate, stating they will not allow the use outside of CNN,” he posted on X.
“Commentary on a presidential debate is the epitome of fair use and we fully intend to provide insight and real time fact checking Thursday LIVE.”
CNN is now threatening any social channels that provide commentary on the debate stating they will not allow the use outside of CNN
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) June 24, 2024
Commentary on a presidential debate is the epitome of fair use and we fully intend to provide insight and real time fact checking Thursday LIVE
