Journalists call out CNN for limiting in-person press access to the debate: 'Deeply concerned'

The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) called out CNN on Thursday for limiting in-person press pool access to the CNN Presidential Debate in Atlanta.

"WHCA is deeply concerned that CNN has rejected our repeated requests to include the White House travel pool inside the studio. Through conversations and advocacy, we urged CNN to grant access to at least one print pool reporter for the duration of the debate," WHCA president Kelly O'Donnell wrote in a statement on Thursday.

Former President Trump and President Biden will face off Thursday at 9PM in the first debate, which will be simulcast on the Fox News Channel, between the two candidates in the 2024 cycle.

"Tonight’s debate will have no audience present and includes format rules that can silence candidates’ microphones. We don’t know how this will play out in real time. A pool reporter is there to observe what is said and done when microphones are off or when either candidate is not seen on camera but may speak, gesture, move, or engage in some way," the WHCA president's statement continued.

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O'Donnell wrote that allowing only one print reporter in the debate room during commercial breaks was not enough.

"That is not sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage. The White House pool has a duty to document, report and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people," the WHCA president's statement continued.

O'Donnell asked that CNN "adjust its plan" and allow a reporter to witness the event in person.

"WHCA respectfully