 Biden and interrupted him. Biden's actions also will be scrutinized. What's most important for Biden is that he come across strong and emphatic. The debate officially kicks off a series of events leading up to election day, including Trump's sentencing following his criminal convictions. I'm Matt Piper. The debate is 90 minutes with just two commercials and there are ground rules. Mics will be muted throughout the debate, except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. Political analyst Amy Dacey.