Next month’s anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is set to be a quiet affair, devoid of a live audience, open microphones when candidates are not speaking, or written notes, according to the rules shared by ABC News, the host network, this week. The provided guidelines closely resemble those of the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, a performance that significantly impacted the Democratic incumbent’s campaign. This September 10 debate is currently the only confirmed one and may be the sole opportunity for voters to witness Harris and Trump engage directly before the November election.

Debate rules have been a subject of contention this week, particularly regarding the potential muting of microphones between candidate turns. Harris’ campaign had pushed for live microphones throughout the debate, asserting that it would facilitate meaningful exchanges. Biden’s campaign had insisted on muting microphones as a condition for accepting any debates this year, a decision that some aides now regret, believing it shielded voters from Trump’s disruptive behavior during the debate.

Ian Sams, a spokesman for Harris, questioned the insistence on muting Trump, despite the candidate’s contrary preferences, stating, “It’s interesting that Trump’s handlers keep insisting on muting him, despite the candidate himself saying the opposite.” Representatives for Trump had initially scoffed at Harris being part of the debate, claiming she sought a different format with notes and opening statements, a claim denied by Harris’ campaign.

According to ABC News, the debate will see the candidates standing at lecterns, with no opening statements permitted, and no notes allowed during the 90-minute event. ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis are set to moderate the debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.