LAS VEGAS — Ahead of tonight’s Republican presidential debate, CNN gave reporters, including from The Daily Caller, a behind-the-scenes tour of the debate stage in Las Vegas.
Here’s what to know about the format:
- CNN and Facebook are the hosts of the debate.
- The debate is being held at the Venetian hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
- It’s the last televised debate of the year.
- There are actually two debates. An early “undercard” debate starting around 6 p.m. EST for four candidates and a primetime debate of the top nine polling Republican presidential candidates at around 9 p.m. EST.
- The debate is airing on CNN and online at CNN.com. Radio partner, the Salem Radio Network, is also airing the debate live.
- The moderator is Wolf Blitzer. Questioners will include Dana Bash of CNN and Hugh Hewitt of Salem Radio Network.
- There will be four candidates at the first debate: [crscore]Lindsey Graham[/crscore], Mike Huckabee, George Pataki, Rick Santorum. It will start airing sometime between 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. EST.
- CNN’s Anderson Cooper will lead a “halftime” show between the debates. CNN will add other podiums at halftime for the primetime debate between Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, [crscore]Ted Cruz[/crscore], Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, [crscore]Rand Paul[/crscore], [crscore]Marco Rubio[/crscore] and Donald Trump.
- The primetime debate will start at 9 p.m. The national anthem will be sung by Ayla Brown, the daughter of former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.
- Opening statements will actually start before 9 p.m. in reverse polling order, so Rand Paul will be the first to speak and Donald Trump will be the last. Each candidate will have a one minute opening statement and a 30 second closing statement.
- The two-hour debate will end at about 11 p.m. EST.
- Candidates and campaigns can go to the so-called spin room afterwards to talk to the media after the debate.
- In the debate hall, there will be 17 cameras. There are about 1,300 seats. On every podium, candidates have water, a pad of paper and a pen. Candidates are not allowed to bring anything with them, including any electronics or notes.