Rule changes coming for next presidential debate

COLUMBUS — Tuesday night’s raucous Presidential debate is leading the commission that sponsors the debates to consider rule changes to reduce or eliminate the candidates talking over one another. Multiple times Tuesday both President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden interrupted each other, leading them to both talk at the same time while moderator Chris Wallace tried to get them back on track.

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At one point Wallace reminded President Trump that his campaign staff had agreed to the rules, which allowed for certain segments to be conducted without the candidates interrupting their opponent. The President was told he was not following the rules but he did not back down. Later the President said on Twitter that it was though he was debating both Joe Biden and Chris Wallace.

Within 12 hours of the debate ending, the Commission on Presidential Debates issued a statement that read in part: “Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues. The CPD will be carefully considering changes that it will adopt and announce those measures shortly.”

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The statement from the CPD went on to say; “The Commission is grateful to Chris Wallace for the professionalism and skill he brought to last night’s debate and intends to ensure that additional tools to maintain order are in place for the remaining debates.”

CBS News reported Wednesday that the CPD plans to issue a strict new rule that will include cutting off a candidate’s microphone if they violate the rules.

Long-time political analyst Dr. Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia told CBS News the debate was “the most incoherent” debate he has ever seen and that it will “historically forever be the worst, I guarantee you.”

The TV ratings company, Nielsen, reported that a total of 73.1 million people tuned in to watch the debate.

President Trump spent much of the day after the debate attending a fundraiser and rally in Minnesota. Former Vice President Joe Biden launched a campaign train tour of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

The new rules for the remaining debates likely will be in place in time for the Vice Presidential candidate debate Oct. 7. The Presidential candidates will meet two more times, on Oct.15 and 22.

Cox Media Group