Election 2016: Fox News Sets Details for First GOP Debate

Let’s get ready to rumble.

The first debate for the 2016 presidential election, a GOP candidate showdown, is set for Aug. 6 — and broadcast partner Fox News Channel has announced details. A partnership with Facebook, the event will tape live at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena and air on FNC, Fox News Radio, Fox News Mobile and the outlet’s website.

Familiar Fox personalities Megyn Kelly, Bret Baier and Chris Wallace will moderate. And while it’s not a first for Kelly, FNC’s rising star who’s become cable news’ go-to in her nightly 9 p.m. time slot, the Kelly File host has become a household name since her last go during the 2012 race. 

Facebook will provide data illustrating users’ takes on current events and issues as well as video questions from a chosen few. “Facebook’s scale and foundation in real identity give Fox News and the Republican contenders for the nomination the opportunity to open up the debate to Americans in a new and unique way,” said Facebook director of news and global media partnerships Andy Mitchell. “Fox News hosts often take to Facebook to connect with viewers authentically; their using Facebook to bring those viewers into this debate demonstrates how the platform has become an essential part of the political process.”

The pool of would-be GOP-ers will be limited to the 10 highest polling at that time, more if there are any ties, and the playing field is already quite crowded. Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, FNC alum Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio have already officially thrown their respective hats in the ring. (Republican Governors Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Bobby Jindal are among those largely expected to join the race in the coming months.)