ABC releases full rules for Philadelphia presidential debate

ABC released the full set of rules on Wednesday night for next week's presidential debate, which will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10.

The rules confirmed previous reports that the debate will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, that candidates will be required to stand at their podiums the entire debate, will not be allowed any props or notes, and that campaign staff cannot interact with the candidates during breaks.

The network also revealed that former President Donald Trump won a virtual coin toss on Tuesday night that allowed him to pick either his podium placement or the order of the closing statements, and he opted to close out the debate.

The debate's moderators, Linsey Davis and David Muir, will be the only ones asking questions, the outlet said, meaning candidates are not allowed to ask each other any questions, and no questions will be shared with the candidates ahead of time.

"Candidates will have two-minute answers to questions, two-minute rebuttals, and one extra minute for follow-ups, clarifications, or responses," the network said in a news release. "Candidates' microphones will be live only for the candidate whose turn it is to speak and muted when the time belongs to another candidate."

The moderators will also introduce the candidates, who will not give an opening statement, and Vice President Kamala Harris will be introduced first as the nominee for the incumbent Democratic party. Harris will be placed at the podium on stage left, which will be on the right side of the screen.

"Moderators will seek to enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion," the network noted. "Candidates will be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water ... [and] there will be no audience in the room."

The debate will air live on ABC News Live, and will be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+  at 9 p.m. Eastern.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.