 The debate kicks off at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. It's hosted by CNN at their studio in Atlanta, the first time in decades that a private media company is organizing a presidential debate. And the rules look different this year. There will be no live audience, and CNN says microphones will be muted unless a candidate is directed to speak. In a race this close, the stakes are high. According to the latest NPR-PBS News Marist poll, Biden and Trump stand tied.